Boris Gryzlov
MINSK, 2 April (BelTA) - Trade between Belarus and Russia has grown by 35% over the past four years, Boris Gryzlov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus, told the media ahead of a gala concert and event marking the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia at the Palace of the Republic on 2 April, BelTA has learned.
“Today we mark an important date - 30 years since the signing of the treaty on the creation of the Union State. And from that moment on, integration processes began. I believe that this format is the most ambitious of all multilateral international structures. The experience we have gained over these 30 years is also essential for other international platforms such as the EAEU, CSTO, CIS, and SCO,” said Boris Gryzlov.
In his words, the results of cooperation are most visible in the economy. “In 2021, the trade [between the countries] amounted to $38.4 billion, and last year it reached $51.9 billion. That is, over four years it has grown by 35%. This is due to the fact that we have changed our approach to issues of cooperation and interaction between Russian regions and Belarus,” said Boris Gryzlov. “In 2021, there were 20 delegations from Russia at the regional level, but last year there were 44. And this figure, more than 40 regions, has been maintained for three years now. These delegations have the opportunity to discuss new contracts and find partners for their industrial and production activities.”
Boris Gryzlov noted that 2022 was a difficult year, when sanctions were imposed on both Russia and Belarus. “This made it impossible to earn export revenue. Our task was to compensate for this. Russia managed to find the goods and products that we purchased, and about half of that revenue was recovered. Meanwhile, Belarusian exports to Russia grew by 40%,” he said.
“Today, another integration project has been launched. An electric train from Smolensk to Orsha has begun operation. The trip takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes. This became possible, among other things, under the auspices of our presidents. Ticket fares are subsidized by the Union State budget, so they are inexpensive, although this is an international route, it operates like a commuter service,” added Boris Gryzlov.
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