MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) - Belarus and Krasnoyarsk Territory of Russia plan to implement a major joint project in the near future: a multi-brand trade and service center for a wide range of Belarusian machinery in the Russian region, Governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory Mikhail Kotyukov told the media following the meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 19 May, BelTA ha learned.
When asked which joint project with Belarus could be considered the main one, Mikhail Kotyukov emphasized the importance of preserving existing successful initiatives. According to data provided by the Russian side, mutual trade grew by 7% in 2024 and by 14% in January-February 2025 (compared to the same period last year). "We work on many new initiatives in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It is crucial to support these initiatives in time and give our factories the opportunity to work together. We need a little less information noise to hold substantive discussions and outline clear plans," the governor noted.
Regarding the most significant joint project, he identified the creation of a multi-brand trade and service center for various Belarusian machinery in Krasnoyarsk Territory. "What is fundamentally important (and what we agreed on today) is that this will be a multi-brand platform where various Belarusian manufacturers can be presented simultaneously. The center will feature a broad range of specialized machinery and equipment, all in one location in Krasnoyarsk Territory. We welcome and support this initiative, and I am confident that we will find a way to implement it in the very near future," Mikhail Kotyukov stated.
As far as trade and economic cooperation with Belarus in general is concerned, Mikhail Kotyukov noted that much has already been achieved, and new initiatives were also discussed during the meeting with the head of state. "Krasnoyarsk and Belarusian manufacturers have had many years of friendship and numerous joint projects. Sixty percent of our mining dump trucks and forty percent of the tractors are Belarusian. Today, we see Belarusian enterprises developing and creating new models of machinery. We are interested in expanding such cooperation. Our enterprises are already holding preliminary negotiations on establishing joint production facilities in Krasnoyarsk Territory, where we could first ensure assembly and later localize production of individual components for this equipment," he said.
The governor emphasized the region’s strong interest in developing cooperation in the production and supply of public transport and equipment for city maintenance and improvement. "Belarus already has expertise in these areas, and we are confident that through joint efforts, we can accomplish much more," he stated. Mikhail Kotkuyov also highlighted Krasnoyarsk’s advantageous geographical location, at the heart of Russia, which facilitates deliveries to neighboring regions and supports exports. "As part of this mission [the current visit of Krasnoyarsk Territory’s delegation to Belarus], we agreed to finalize specific proposals," he stated.
In turn, enterprises from Krasnoyarsk Territory that operate in Belarus are ready to offer their capabilities, engineering services, and scientific developments for the modernization of Belarusian enterprises. He confirmed mutual interest in developing this direction: "In the near future, we will move this into the stage of practical negotiations between our enterprises.”
He also touched upon the development of humanitarian ties between Belarus and Krasnoyarsk Territory, which should be rooted in the preservation of common historical memory and youth exchanges. Tourism was also identified as a promising sector. "Minsk is a beautiful city. I want residents of Krasnoyarsk to see it. Likewise, we have much to showcase along the banks of the Yenisei River for visitors from Belarus. To promote this, we must organize an air service [between Belarus and Krasnoyarsk Territory]. We also discussed this today with the president," the governor said.
Mutual trade between Belarus and Krasnoyarsk Territory reached its highest level in 2022: nearly $234 million. In 2023, trade slightly declined, but in 2024, it grew again, exceeding $221 million. Belarusian exports steadily increased during this period, reaching $141.5 million last year, which was 20% higher than in 2023. Belarus’ major export to the Russian region includes special-purpose vehicles, compounds containing nitrile functional groups, electrical transformers, auto and tractor parts and accessories, household and other electric heating devices, and electric stoves.
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