Dmitry Krutoi. An archive photo
MOSCOW, 11 January (BelTA) – Kursk Oblast is interested in cooperating with Belarus in agribusiness as well as in deliveries of Belarusian construction materials, machines, equipment, and vehicles, BelTA learned from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi after his negotiations with Governor of Russia’s Kursk Oblast Roman Starovoit in Moscow.
Dmitry Krutoi said: “Essentially Kursk Oblast set a new record high in relations with Belarus last year when trade turnover reached $400 million. It had never happened before. The growth was 93%. Today the governor and I had another look at these figures. The choice of traded products has increased.”
The ambassador stated that the attention of the Kursk Oblast leadership is now drawn to matters concerning Russia’s ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. “Nevertheless, we managed to organize several classy events for the private sector. They are primarily interested in agribusiness, construction materials, woodworking, and shipments of various Belarusian machines, vehicles, and equipment. We’ve accumulated all of that into a program for 2023-2025. It is a fresh document, which the governor and I have signed. We will implement it now. We’ve agreed that I will bring representatives of Belarus’ private sector to Kursk Oblast at some point in April-May. Despite all the problems relating to the military and political situation the governor is ready to work with us: complete openness,” Dmitry Krutoi noted.
In his words, the Kursk Oblast governor spoke highly of the format of interaction with Belarusian regions. “He signed an agreement with Gomel Oblast today. There are excellent communications with Mogilev Oblast. We are going to improve relations of our other regions, too. This is why Kursk Oblast is an example of successful regional work,” the ambassador added.
Speaking about opportunities for manufacturing cooperation with Kursk Oblast, Dmitry Krutoi mentioned that the relevant matters are under consideration. “First, the construction of dairy farms. Kursk Oblast intends to pay very serious attention to the development of agriculture. They liked all the options for the turn-key construction of Belarusian agribusiness complexes and the use of our equipment. At first glance they cost half of what Western analogs are priced at. This is why the governor is ready to offer several pilot projects to us,” the ambassador pointed out.
