Dmitry Krutoi
BREST, 21 June (BelTA) - Belarus intends to expand its cooperation with Russia’s Novosibirsk Oblast across various sectors. This was discussed during a meeting between Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi, Governor of Brest Oblast Piotr Parkhomchik and a delegation from Russia’s Novosibirsk Oblast led by Governor Andrei Travnikov in Brest on 21 June, BelTA has learned.
Dmitry Krutoi emphasized that Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has identified Novosibirsk Oblast as one of the key regions within the Siberian Federal District. The head of state expressed his dissatisfaction with the current level of cooperation with Siberia and instructed to strengthen ties, particularly in the industrial sector, which has significant untapped potential.
“Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia. It has a vast industrial base and a strong scientific cluster. This is where we see the main reserve for growth to reach the target set by our country’s leader: $500 million in trade with Novosibirsk Oblast,” Dmitry Krutoi stated. He noted that the parties are making steady progress toward this goal.
Particularly, cooperation in the machine tool industry has already yielded tangible results. The Krasny Borets and StankoGomel factories have begun initial deliveries of machine tools to Novosibirsk Oblast. A major presentation of Belarusian machine tool building capabilities is being prepared for the upcoming INNOPROM exhibition in Minsk, aimed not only at Novosibirsk Oblast but at all Russian regions.
“We had an open discussion with the governor about the passenger transport renewal program. We have a joint venture, Belkommunmash-Sibir, which is engaged in modernizing tram cars. In 2026, our MAZ gas-powered buses will compete in a tender. This year, Novosibirsk Oblast doesn’t plan to purchase new passenger vehicles, but in order to maintain the joint venture’s economic activity, an order has been placed to modernize 10 tram cars,” the head of the Belarus President Administration said.
He emphasized that multi-brand centers are key projects in Belarus’ relations with Novosibirsk Oblast. “We already had a site called MTZ-Sibir. Our tractor plant [Minsk Tractor Works - MTZ trademark] was the main player there, but with the addition of other manufacturers (MAZ, Gomselmash, Lidselmash) and the growing lineup of Belarusian equipment, that site is no longer sufficient. So the governor proposed alternative options for expansion. A site within an industrial-logistics cluster has already been chosen, with the necessary infrastructure in place. We will build a multi-brand center there on several hectares,” Dmitry Krutoi explained.
He added that at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, BelAZ signed an agreement to build its own service center in an advanced development zone. “Without such a specialized technical center, our major manufacturers can’t gain a foothold in the Russian market. BelAZ, staying ahead of the curve, will establish such a center in Novosibirsk Oblast,” Dmitry Krutoi announced.
The meeting also discussed agriculture and the supply of food products, including vegetables, fruits, and berries. Brest Oblast is a leader in this area. For example, the Brest Meat Processing Plant, in cooperation with Russian counterparts, has established a retail chain selling its own products. “The Novosibirsk authorities have proposed adding light industry goods to these stores in addition to food products. Our light industry sector is developing a concept. I believe we’ll launch this project by the end of the year,” the head of the President Administration suggested.
Residents of Novosibirsk have become fond of the annual Belarusian goods fair. During the meeting, Governor of Brest Oblast Piotr Parkhomchik proposed that enterprises from Brest Oblast be widely represented at the event. The idea of organizing Days of Brest Oblast was voiced and supported by the Russian side.
Photos by Violetta Yuzhakova
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