MINSK, 5 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian government is exploring the ways to compensate for the deficit in trade with Russia, Belarus' Vice Premier Igor Petrishenko told the media after the government session chaired by the head of state on 5 March, BelTA has learned.
Igor Petrishenko noted that the deficit in trade with Russia had risen to $10 billion. It was partially counterbalanced by good trade numbers with other countries. All in all, Belarus ran a foreign trade surplus in 2018.
“We are analyzing all commodity positions and groups that posted the deficit growth and are working on the balancing measures to minimize the deficit in trade with Russia,” Igor Petrishenko said.
He noted that the deficit in trade with Russia will decrease after the launch of the Belarusian NPP. “I believe that once the nuclear power plant is up and running, Belarus' demand for gas will decrease. This will be one of the ways to bridge the trade deficit,” Igor Petrishenko added.