MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) - Active integration of Russia and Belarus within the framework of the Union State enables Moscow and Minsk resist Western sanctions more effectively, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel., TASS reports.
"It [the sanctions policy of the West] pushes Russia and Belarus for more robust integration because it is an integrated structure that will help the two countries fight back the Western sanctions with greater confidence," Ambassador Boris Gryzlov noted. “Today many Belarusian enterprises have gained access to the Russian market, the Russian state procurement programs. On their part, Russian enterprises, having received such a competitor, will strive for greater quality. I mean, this approach benefits both sides."
The ambassador pointed out that Russia has provided Belarus with significant discounts on gas, thanks to which Belarusian producers can reduce production costs, and thus make their products more competitive.
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission recalled that the Russian Federation and Belarus plan to unify tax and customs legislation in 2022. Plans are also in place, according to the Russian envoy, to set up a joint integrated body to control taxes. A common oil market is expected to come on stream in 2023.
The two countries also intend to integrate the electricity markets. "Power engineering contributed 14% to the GDP growth of Belarus in 2021. One of the factors was the launch of the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. We are now talking about a common electricity market," the diplomat said.
