Yekaterina Abramova and Yuri Seliverstov during the interview. Photo courtesy of the Belarusian Embassy in Russia
MOSCOW, 1 April (BelTA) – Belarusian Ambassador o to Russia Yuri Seliverstov shared his perspective on ways to increase Belarus-Russia trade in an interview with Yekaterina Abramova, Director of the Media Company of the Union State. The interview will be aired by the new Soyuzny TV channel on 2 April, the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia, BelTA has learned.
In 2025, the Belarusian-Russian trade exceeded $50 billion. “There is room for growth; this is not the ceiling,” Ambassador Yuri Seliverstov said.
He noted that the structure of Belarusian-Russian trade is quite balanced. “Our exports amount to about $27 billion, and imports from the Russian Federation are roughly the same. Essentially, this allows us to maintain a balanced payment balance without imbalances in either direction. But, of course, there is room for growth,” the ambassador said.
The diplomat sees reserves for growth in joint projects that are either still in the implementation stage or in the pipeline. These include the development of the Osvey aircraft, various assembly production facilities, and new import-substituting components and parts for mechanical engineering, among others. “This is a vast area to tap into,” he stated.
The services sector, particularly tourism, also holds significant potential. "Both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus seek to increase the contribution of tourism to the gross domestic product. This is not only about earning money, but also about ensuring that our citizens visiting our countries can have better recreation, receive medical treatment, and have comfortable places to stay. Currently, for various reasons, these citizens are taking their money to other countries. However, this does not mean that they should be banned from traveling abroad,” Ambassador Yuri Seliverstov said.
"We are well positioned to increase trade. I would like to see it double. If we could reach $100 billion within ten years, that would be absolutely wonderful," the Belarusian ambassador emphasized.
In 2025, the Belarusian-Russian trade exceeded $50 billion. “There is room for growth; this is not the ceiling,” Ambassador Yuri Seliverstov said.
He noted that the structure of Belarusian-Russian trade is quite balanced. “Our exports amount to about $27 billion, and imports from the Russian Federation are roughly the same. Essentially, this allows us to maintain a balanced payment balance without imbalances in either direction. But, of course, there is room for growth,” the ambassador said.
The diplomat sees reserves for growth in joint projects that are either still in the implementation stage or in the pipeline. These include the development of the Osvey aircraft, various assembly production facilities, and new import-substituting components and parts for mechanical engineering, among others. “This is a vast area to tap into,” he stated.
The services sector, particularly tourism, also holds significant potential. "Both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus seek to increase the contribution of tourism to the gross domestic product. This is not only about earning money, but also about ensuring that our citizens visiting our countries can have better recreation, receive medical treatment, and have comfortable places to stay. Currently, for various reasons, these citizens are taking their money to other countries. However, this does not mean that they should be banned from traveling abroad,” Ambassador Yuri Seliverstov said.
"We are well positioned to increase trade. I would like to see it double. If we could reach $100 billion within ten years, that would be absolutely wonderful," the Belarusian ambassador emphasized.
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