ROSTOV-ON-DON, 27 November (BelTA) - Belarus and Rostov Oblast of Russia intend to expand cooperation, Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi said during a meeting with Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian head of state has set the task of achieving $1 billion in trade with Rostov Oblast. “Our figures are already very high, and we are not far from reaching our goal. But the key industries and sectors where we cooperate are currently experiencing difficult times due to market conditions. This primarily concerns mechanical engineering products. When sending me on this visit, the Belarusian leader said: ‘In addition to trade, which is developing well, try to find additional areas for cooperation,” Dmitry Krutoi noted.
In particular, the head of the President Administration sees prospects for cooperation in helicopter and aircraft manufacturing. “We have already begun to cooperate in agricultural machinery between Salsksemlash [Rostov Oblast] and MTZ [Belarus]. Separately, we discussed with the president machine tool building as a fundamental aspect for the sustainable development of the industrial complex and import independence. Today we visited Rostselmash. Over 50 Belarusian enterprises are involved in cooperation with it. We are aware of your ambitious plans to modernize the region’s passenger transport fleet. We are ready to participate in all programs. In every area we have long-standing, stable, and trusting ties. The logistical problems that exist now may be resolved in the coming months with the opening of the airport – another boost for business,” he emphasized.
There are also prospects for cooperation in water supply systems and waste processing. “All our companies are ready to work together. Pilot projects are currently underway. We are already working on a larger scale with Krasnodar Territory, starting with smaller facilities and design projects, and now we have developed turnkey solutions that our colleagues are happy with. These solutions are competitive in price and ensure high quality,” Dmitry Krutoi stressed.
Humanitarian cooperation is also developing, with agreements signed between universities. “This area must also be advanced, because the need for scientific and educational interaction is one of the key ones,” he added.
Attention is also being paid to cultural cooperation. Two years ago, Days of Rostov Oblast Culture were successfully held in Minsk, and a decision may be taken to hold the event again.
A Rostov Oblast delegation recently visited Belarus. “We were impressed by this visit and our time in Minsk. There is much to learn: from cleanliness to the placement of social facilities. The visit had a very extensive agenda, which we discussed in Minsk with the participation of the president,” Yuri Slyusar noted.
The Belarusian delegation is visiting Rostov Oblast. “We have a landmark event: the opening of a multi-brand center for Belarusian machinery. This is a competence center for promoting the demand for Belarusian machinery, which is of high quality and competitive, here in Rostov Oblast. The center will meet the needs of Rostov enterprises in utility, construction, and other equipment, as well as public transport. It will ensure proper maintenance, good condition of machinery, timely replacement of spare parts, and training. We hope the center will become a hub not only for our region but also for others. There are many advantages, and we are very pleased that such a center is opening specifically in Rostov Oblast,” Yuri Slyusar emphasized.
Photos by Jan Gorbanyuk/ BelTA
Follow us on:
