MINSK DISTRICT, 29 October (BelTA) – The export of services in the sphere of international transportation by road may exceed $2 billion in 2022, BelTA learned from Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko after the head of government visited OOO Primway on 29 October.
Roman Golovchenko said: “Belarus is a transit country and the export of services is very important for us taking into account the foreign trade surplus. By the way, transportation by road is second only to information and communications services in our export of services. In January-August 2021 it earned over $1 billion. Today the shipping companies promised they would earn $1.7-1.8 billion this year and will raise it to $2 billion next year.”
Roman Golovchenko also noted that this sector is important for creating jobs. Over 3,000 commercial entities are in the trucking business. They operate over 20,000 vehicles. “Drivers, repairmen, logisticians, engineers – it is a huge industry that offers jobs. It is important that regions of Belarus, small towns are involved in transportation by road. Such companies often account for most of the taxes that district budgets receive. This is why attention to this sphere is logical,” the prime minister noted.
Roman Golovchenko said: “In turn, the government offers certain preferences and support. In particular, a relief for paying VAT and the recycling tax for importing trucks with Euro-6 engines to Belarus has been in effect for several years already. We see that this preference has worked very well. Since it was introduced, shipping volumes and foreign currency earnings have been steadily rising. This is why today we've discussed prospects of extending this regime onto 2022.”
Roman Golovchenko also noted that Belarus' membership in the Eurasian Economic Union also had a positive impact on transportation by road. “European countries accounted for over 90% of transportation by road before the Customs Union and then the Eurasian Economic Union were established. It is probable that we would have gradually conceded our positions in Europe due to very tough competition and economic pressure otherwise. Equilibrium was virtually introduced when Belarus joined the Eurasian Economic Union. The Eurasian Economic Union accounts for 45% of transportation by road, with the European Union share at 55%. It is a practical example of the Eurasian Economic Union's positive effect on the operation of Belarusian commercial entities,” the head of government pointed out.
In his words, personnel matters were also discussed. “There is a great shortage of drivers in Western Europe and Belarusians are being poached. We have to offer competitive terms here in order to keep Belarusians working here. Moreover, we are ready to invite drivers from other countries to work here,” Roman Golovchenko stressed.
Matters concerning the development of infrastructure were also discussed. The prime minister gave instructions to select sites along major transport corridors not far from small population centers where repair stations, offices, and parking lots of transport enterprises can be set up using simplified procedures. In his opinion, it will also contribute to the development of the regions and the creation of jobs.
Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko visited OOO Primway in Minsk District on 29 October. A major investment project was implemented there in 2021. A multifunctional complex was built. It includes an administrative building as large as 5,800m2, a technical control station, a vehicle maintenance station, a vehicle wash, and a parking lot for trucks. Roman Golovchenko was made familiar with the operation of the enterprise, with the technologies in use, and with how shipping is organized.
The limited liability company (OOO) Primway was registered in 1999. International transportation by road is the primary business. The company increases freight turnover every year and operates a fleet of over 100 semi-trailer trucks. The vehicles are used to deliver cargoes in Europe and Asia.
