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MOSCOW, 3 March (BelTA) – Belarus' Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi paid a working visit to Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia on 2 March, BelTA learned from the press service of the diplomatic mission.
A key point on the program of the visit was the ambassador's participation in the annual Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum, dedicated to the development of Siberia amid the current economic and geopolitical situation. Discussions focus on the expansion of foreign economic relations, fulfillment of investment, scientific and industrial potential of the region.
On the sidelines of the forum Dmitry Krutoi held a series of meetings with the authorities of Russian regions. Thus, the Belarusian ambassador and Chairman of the Government of Irkutsk Oblast Konstantin Zaitsev took stock of the progress made in the implementation of the previously reached agreements, prospects for strengthening cooperation within the Belarus-Irkutsk Oblast working group on mutually beneficial partnership.
“Konstantin Zaitsev emphasized that for the region Belarus remains one of the leading partners in trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between Irkutsk Oblast and the CIS member states. The parties continue expanding twinning relations and strengthening inter-municipal cooperation. A joint project of the Irkutsk-Brest virtual trading house has been implemented, with 11 companies from the Brest and Irkutsk regions using the platform,” the press service said.
“It is important that our dialogue continues and we find new points for the development of bilateral partnerships. We seek to strengthen economic cooperation between Belarus and Irkutsk Oblast. There are Belarusian companies, including those from the automotive industry, which branch out into the region. In this regard, it is important not only to purchase equipment, but also to be able to service it locally. The fact that economic indicators are on the rise is the result of effective joint work and the search for mutually beneficial conditions, including beyond the economic sector,” Konstantin Zaitsev said.
“The most immediate topic for our cooperation is aircraft construction. Irkutsk is one of the key points of the aircraft construction cluster of the Russian Federation, so during the visit of our prime minister we will discuss opportunities for work in this area. There are also joint interests in housing and utilities services and waste recycling. We have agreed that our companies, which produce the corresponding equipment, will present their capabilities. There are plans to develop joint projects within the pharmaceutical cluster. Brest Oblast has been identified as the main region for cooperation with the Russian region,” Dmitry Krutoi said.
During the meeting with Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai Aleksandr Uss the ambassador focused on the supply of the whole range of Belarusian passenger transport, haulers for the region's quarries, renovation of the city's elevators, innovations in the agricultural sector.
“We have only restored the trade we had before the pandemic: we have reached $200 million in mutual trade,” Dmitry Krutoi told the media after the meeting. “However, it is not enough taking into consideration the opportunities which appeared in respect to this region. First of all, it is a good budget: for the past few years there have been additional revenues and opportunities both at the level of the entire region and the city of Krasnoyarsk. There are certain subsidies for the purchase of various types of equipment used specifically in this region. Therefore, the governor noted that this machine building trade, if it can be called that, is dominant in our relations today. Examples of BelAZ, deliveries of our tractors, harvesters, some AMKODOR equipment are the main ones in our trade relations. However, in order to move to the next level, we must expand investment channels. So far, unfortunately, the results have been insufficient here. We are at the very beginning of this road, and the assembly facilities that have been set up in the last two years should give an additional effect,” Dmitry Krutoi told the media after the meeting.
The ambassador stated that there are good opportunities for Belarus in the supply of elevator equipment, as Krasnoyarsk Krai is mulling over a large renovation program. “The governor announced a five-year program adopted at the regional level to prepare for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Krasnoyarsk in 2028: huge federal and regional funds has been allocated,” Dmitry Krutoi said. This opens new prospects for Belarus to participate in the renovation of housing, the supply of various kinds of passenger vehicles, projects for the construction of the underground and surface metro. “If we, Belarusians, are indecisive here and miss such opportunities, it will be impossible to occupy this niche. It is a big advantage for us that the Krasnoyarsk Krai authorities have such an attitude to our manufacturers, an invitation to participate actively in these programs – it is a big plus for us. Here everything depends on our ability to act in this market,” the ambassador stressed.
“There are good examples of cooperation. The world-famous company Nornickel has started cooperation with Minsk Bearing Plant, including in the supply of new products to be produced at the Minsk enterprise as part of the two presidents' agreement on import substitution. Our Soligorsk enterprise Niva-Holding has launched supplies of mine transport and relevant mining equipment to the gold mining companies of the region. Amkodor launches the production of snow cleaning machinery based on Ural chassis ,” he said.
“We need more such examples,” Dmitry Krutoi stressed.
The ambassador invited the governor to visit Belarus. “The governor invited Belarusian builders to join the implementation of the Krasnoyarsk metro project. The friendly atmosphere of the meeting was also influenced by the fact that Dmitry Krutoi and Aleksandr Uss are fellow countrymen. The father of the Russian governor comes from near Belarus' Belynichi,” the press service said.
Dmitry Krutoi also took part in a plenary session of the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum. On the sidelines of the meeting the ambassador met with Governor of Kemerovo Oblast Sergei Tsivilev, Head of the Tuva Republic Vladislav Khovalyg and Tomsk Oblast Governor Vladimir Mazur.
The ambassador also visited a number of enterprises in Krasnoyarsk Krai interested in cooperation with Belarus.
Photos courtesy of Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs
