MINSK, 2 June (BelTA) – Some of the capacity of the terminals in Leningrad Oblast can be handed over to Belarus right away. Governor of Russia's Leningrad Oblast Aleksandr Drozdenko mentioned it after meeting with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA has learned.
During a meeting back in 2020 Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested building a terminal for Belarusian cargoes in the Ust-Luga port to the Leningrad Oblast governor. It was revealed in February that the project will be implemented using private investments. But construction will take years. Belarusian cargoes will be shipped via existing terminals for now.
Aleksandr Drozdenko said: “I am going to lift the curtain a bit because I am not ready and don't have the right to tell you the details for now. We discussed a mixed option. Belarusian specialists have already examined the land plots where Belarusian port structures can be built. A very tight construction schedule was mentioned. And the existing terminals can be used meanwhile. We mentioned some of the terminals, which are ready to sign the paperwork now and go as far as possibly handing over some of the territory, some of the port facilities to the Belarusian side in order to start shipments today.”
According to the governor, it is necessary to start shipping freight fast: “It is strategic development not only for Belarus. It is strategic development both of Russia and Belarus. All of us understand it.”
Aleksandr Drozdenko mentioned joint projects in the sphere of logistics as a key avenue of cooperation. The sides are negotiating the advancement of interaction in other industries as well.
The governor added: “We are already increasing our trade turnover. We had a record high figure of over $700 million last year. This year we expect a 30% increase at least. We are talking about new projects among other things. Including our joint venture Amkodor in the city of Gatchina. We are also talking about joint projects in the area of artificial selection and seed farming.”
