MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko spoke about cooperation plans between Belarus and Russia's Murmansk Oblast during his meeting with Murmansk Oblast Governor Andrei Chibis on 8 September, BelTA has learned.
“Murmansk Oblast is our long-standing, good, constructive partner, friend and counterpart. I am glad to welcome the delegation of the region here at this difficult moment for our countries, when we are dealing with the pressure from the outside and doing it quite successfully. The stability demonstrated by the economies of Belarus and the Russian Federation is good proof of that. In these difficult times, it is particularly important to use all the opportunities that our heads of state and governments have created. We always pay special attention to the visits of the heads of Russian regions because it is a good opportunity to overview the work done and set clear, specific and tangible tasks for the near future,” said Roman Golovchenko.
According to him, Belarus and Murmansk Oblast have increased mutual trade as compared to the previous year. “We would like to increase the volume, we have all conditions for this,” the prime minister said.
According to Roman Golovchenko, the enterprises of Murmansk Oblast have traditionally been supplying raw materials which are vital for the Belarusian industry. “In turn, we provide the mining industry of the region with haulers, and also ship passenger and cargo vehicles,” he added.
“We do not just trade, but develop scientific and technical cooperation. BelAZ plans to open a training classroom at Murmansk Arctic State University. This will help solve the issue of target training of specialists,” the head of government said.
The supply of passenger vehicles is seen as a promising area as well. “In 2020-2021 we supplied buses of special configuration - the so-called northern buses. Now MAZ is reconfiguring its manufacturing process to stop using imported components and to fully focus on the production of ‘anti-sanction' buses,” the prime minister said.
The parties also discussed food security issues. “Belarusian food products are a brand, including in the Russian Federation. We know that Belarusian products are present on the shelves of large supermarkets, chain stores in Murmansk Oblast. They receive very good reviews. We are also interested in the deliveries of seafood and fish products from your region to Belarus,” said Roman Golovchenko.
In turn, Murmansk Oblast Governor Andrei Chibis spoke about the prospects of cooperation in logistics issues. In his words, Murmansk is ready to become a starting point for the export of Belarusian products. He also suggested discussing the implementation of new investment projects. Tax incentives will be provided for this purpose.
The governor drew attention to the agreements on the supply of the Belarusian passenger and municipal vehicles. “We have signed agreements providing for additional supplies of trolleybuses and buses made in Belarus. Your public transport has proved itself well,” he stressed.
Andrei Chibis also touched upon the issues of cooperation in the mining industry, construction and agriculture.
