MINSK, 30 September (BelTA) – It is possible to raise Belarus' trade with Russia's Bryansk Oblast up to $1 billion. Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko made the relevant statement as he met with Bryansk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz on 30 September, BelTA has learned.
Igor Petrishenko said: “I believe the goal of raising the bilateral trade to $1 billion is completely achievable taking into account avenues of our cooperation.”
The official suggested discussing matters relating to joint projects in economy, agriculture, civil engineering, culture, and science during the meeting.
In turn, Aleksandr Bogomaz pointed out that even in the present complicated period of time Bryansk Oblast's trade with Belarus had even increased. Growth was registered in previous years as well. “We've seen growth this year regardless of how hard it's been for us,” he said.
The governor also mentioned the operation of Belarusian enterprises in the region. In addition to creating jobs they pay taxes to the budget and ensure the industrial security of the Russian Federation by supplying modern machines to Russian farmers.
A program to guide the advancement of cooperation between Belarus and Bryansk Oblast in 2021-2023 was signed as a result of the meeting in Minsk.
In January-July 2020 Belarus' trade with Bryansk Oblast totaled $353.4 million, 0.9% up from the same period of last year. Belarus' top exports are agricultural machines, road construction machines, civil engineering machines, milk, concentrated cream, cream powder, butter, cheese, and quark cheese. Belarus' imports include ferrous metal scrap, cement, paper and pasteboard, plastic products, soybeans, colza and sunflower seeds.
