MINSK, 9 November (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia's Vologda Oblast intend to triple the joint production of tractors within the next five years. The statement was made by Vologda Oblast Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov after he met with Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich on 9 November, BelTA has learned.
The governor said: “We are interested in developing the joint production of agricultural machines, which sell well in Russia. We've started assembling Belarusian tractors at premises of Cherepovets Casting and Mechanical Plant. We now make 2,000 tractors per annum and intend to triple the figure within the next five years.”
In his words, the relevant Belarusian and Russian ministries are getting involved in this work. “During today's meeting we've agreed that the two industry ministries will sign a bilateral agreement on plans to increase the joint production of Belarusian-Russian tractors in Cherepovets. We will get broad opportunities for exporting these tractors to third countries via Russia,” noted the governor.
Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich pointed out that the unification and harmonization of Belarusian and Russian laws was the key item on the agenda of the fifth Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia. “Differences in our legislation make real sector companies suffer,” said Mikhail Myasnikovich. “This is why today together with the governors of Vologda Oblast and Bryansk Oblast we've discussed how we should bring our stances closer to each other in order to minimize risks and increase effectiveness. Bryanskselmash and Cherepovets Casting and Mechanical Plant are ready to make more than they make now via manufacturing cooperation schemes with Belarus. It can definitely be accomplished by racking up the output and by increasing the localization rate at Russian companies,” said the head of the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament.
Mikhail Myasnikovich stressed that these approaches should be balanced. The agreement between the Belarusian and Russian industry ministries will stipulate conditions for the next five years. Belarus believes that the market to sell Belarusian agricultural machines in Russia should grow larger if these enterprises increase their output. “I agree with my colleagues: it is necessary to minimize risks by making these projects long-term ones. Then the companies will be able to make long-term plans,” added Mikhail Myasnikovich.
