MINSK, 12 December (BelTA) - Belarus and Tatarstan need to harness the potential of deeper trade ties, Belarus Prime Minister Sergei Rumas said as he met with Rustam Minnikhanov, President of Tatarstan, Russian Federation in Minsk on 12 December, BelTA has learned.
“We are not using our trade potential to the full. This year we are not even reaching last year's figures. I am convinced that neither the government of Belarus nor the leadership of Tatarstan can be satisfied with such a situation. Therefore, I would like to discuss the steps to restore the record levels of both trade and industrial cooperation and joint production,” Sergei Rumas said.
According to the prime minister, the Republic of Tatarstan ranks 6th in Belarus' trade with Russian regions. “Tatarstan is a unique Russian region with a strong industrial and intellectual potential. The integration of science and industry distinguishes Tatarstan from other Russian regions. We can see it on the example of the petrochemical industry,” the Belarusian head of government said.
Petrochemicals account for about half of the trade between Belarus and Tatarstan. “Today Tatarstan is the main supplier of petrochemical raw materials to Belarus. Belarusian enterprises supply their products to Tatarstan, too. This cooperation in petrochemistry is an example of how we can complement each other,” Sergei Rumas said.
The Minsk Oblast Executive Committee and the government of Tatarstan signed an agreement on cooperation in trade, economy, science, socio-cultural and humanitarian areas. The Belarusian BRSM Youth Union concluded the agreements on youth cooperation with the Association of Youth Governments of the Russian Federation and the youth government of Tatarstan.
In addition, the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan have agreed to cooperate. Belarusian National Technical University and Belarusian State Academy of Aviation struck agreements with Tupolev Kazan National Research Technical University.
Photos by Nikolai Petrov
