SMOLENSK, 28 May (BelTA) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk assessed the results of integration development between Belarus and Russia as he attended a meeting of the High Level Group of the Union State Council of Ministers in Smolensk on 28 May, BelTA has learned.
“According to our data, in 2024, trade [between Belarus and Russia] grew by 5.7% compared to 2023, reaching $50.1 billion. As for this year, customs service data shows continued growth: in January-March, mutual trade increased by 3% year on year, totaling approximately $11.4 billion,” Alexey Overchuk said.
“In 2024, the economies of both countries showed growth: Russia's economy grew by 4.3%, Belarus' economy - by 4%. These growth rates exceed the global average. Despite unprecedented, unfair, and unlawful sanctions imposed on both countries, this progress demonstrates that joint development efforts are yielding tangible results felt by our citizens,” he stressed.
The Russian vice premier also noted that the work continues to implement the Union State Treaty in 2024-2026. “As of 12 May, overall integration progress reached 32.6%: out of 310 planned measures, we have already completed 101, while 209 are still in the pipeline,” he stated.
“We are also implementing several concrete initiatives in the industrial sector. As part of the implementation of the decree [of the Supreme State Council of the Union State] on a common industrial policy, we continue work to ensure mutual access to industrial products. We have approved a technological leadership program covering such areas as machine tool manufacturing, transport engineering, new materials, chemistry, small and medium-sized businesses, forestry, and innovation. We are developing close cooperation in automotive manufacturing, railway engineering, and agricultural machinery production,” the vice premier added.
Photos by Sergei Sheleg
Follow us on:
