Photo of Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Ministry
MINSK, 30 July (BelTA) – Belarus is willing to share its experience in agriculture and enhance multilateral cooperation with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Yuri Gorlov said during the 10th meeting of SCO agriculture ministers held in Kunming, China, the press service of Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Ministry told BelTA.
The event focused on strengthening agricultural policy exchanges and creating a more cohesive and prosperous agricultural community within the SCO. Taking part in the meeting were representatives from China, Belarus, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Yuri Gorlov emphasized that as a new SCO member since July 2024, Belarus views the agricultural sector as a strategic priority. For the first time this year, the international exhibition Belagro in Minsk featured an agro-industrial showcase of SCO member countries. “This is a vivid demonstration that our country is ready to share its expertise and strengthen multilateral cooperation to achieve the common goal of sustainable agricultural development and food security,” the minister noted.
He presented key achievements of Belarus’ agro-industrial complex: the country ranks among the world leaders in per capita milk and meat production, maintains a high level of food security (with over 100% self-sufficiency in major food products), and actively expands agricultural exports to more than 100 countries worldwide, including SCO member states.
The minister remarked that last year Belarus’ trade in food products and agricultural raw materials with SCO countries increased by 1.6 times compared to 2020. Over 85% of Belarus' agricultural exports were directed to the SCO nations.
In order to further strengthen cooperation, Yuri Gorlov proposed several initiatives, including expanding scientific and technical partnerships in breeding and biotechnology, simplifying customs procedures, launching joint educational programs, and participating in international exhibitions.
He expressed confidence that uniting the efforts of SCO countries would help transform agriculture into a driver of sustainable development. At the conclusion of the event, the ministers signed a joint statement.
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