MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in moving goods in the Eurasian Economic Union and in trade with third countries faster, BelTA learned from Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko on 26 August.
Transport and logistics were discussed at a session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan on 25-26 August. Igor Petrishenko said: “We are interested in increasing the speed of shipment of our goods in the Eurasian Economic Union space, including in trade with third countries. Countries of the union have put together a list of key integration transportation and logistic corridors. Belarus included two – M1 and M10.”
Logistics is particularly important for Belarus considering the pressure of Western sanctions. “Shipments via Russia have increased considerably since our Western neighbors have introduced far-fetched restrictive measures. Our other partners within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union also participate in the reorientation of commodity flows. Apart from that, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have joined in the work. Penetrating new markets – countries of the East, Africa – is also important for us. But we need certain time in order to readjust. We are dynamically working on it together with our partners,” Igor Petrishenko said.
Participants of the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council also discussed matters of manufacturing cooperation. “The realization of the pilot project Eurasian Electrobus that we've suggested is important. We've done the relevant preparatory work from the point of view of analysis of capabilities and competences of companies and enterprises of the Eurasian Economic Union countries,” Igor Petrishenko said.
During the session the Belarusian delegation emphasized that Eurasian development institutions – the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development – should take a more active part in the financing of infrastructure projects and projects in the sphere of manufacturing cooperation.
Apart from that, an agreement on establishing a Eurasian reinsurance company was signed on 26 August. “Belarus was in favor of enabling financial support for the joint promotion of goods, for a joint product of the Eurasian Economic Union on markets of third countries. It is very important to minimize risks. This organization is being created with that in mind,” Igor Petrishenko explained.