MINSK, 8 October (BelTA) - Belarus and Poland should increase the trade in agricultural products, Izabella Lewandowska, Deputy Director of the EU and International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland, said at the 16th Belarusian-Polish Economic Forum Good Neighborliness in Minsk.
“Trade in agricultural products between the two countries is developing very rapidly, yet the potential of Belarus and Poland in this area is not used to the full. In January-July this year, the trade in agricultural products amounted to ?90 million, up ?39 million from the same period last year. But it can be even higher, taking into account the integration processes which our countries are engaged in,” she said. In her view, Belarus could become a gateway for Poland to the markets of the countries of the Customs Union and the Eurasian zone, and Poland, in turn, can become a gateway for Belarus in the European market.
According to Izabella Lewandowska, Poland’s exports to Belarus is much higher than Belarus’ imports to the country. Polish pork is in great demand on the Belarusian market and accounts for over 35% of Poland’s agricultural exports to Belarus. In January-July 2012 Poland exported over ?80 million worth of pork to Belarus. “Belarus is the main consumer of Polish pork. We hope we will supply beef in the future. Apart from this, Poland sells apples to Belarus (about 20% of Polish agricultural exports to Belarus), potatoes, grain and foodstuffs,” she said.
According to the Polish official, imports from Belarus to Poland have been steadily growing. Over the seven months, they totaled nearly ?7 million.
Representatives of the two countries hold regular meetings to share experience, take part in joint conferences and seminars, organize training courses for specialists. “The Polish side is ready to provide necessary assistance and support to Belarusian experts in reaching European standards in veterinary science,” Izabella Lewandowska said.
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