MINSK, 5 November (BelTA) - The approval of the State Union programs by the Supreme State Council is an epochal event, political scientist Aleksei Dzermant said on the air of the Alfa Radio station, BelTA learned from sb.by.
“This is an epochal event. We had been approaching it for a long time. The preparatory work lasted for about three years. Negotiations were quite difficult as the parties tried to reconcile the interests of the two countries. It is important for us that such rapprochement should benefit our economy and people. We are starting to integrate the markets for oil, gas and electricity. In any political economic scenario, this is the framework for our relations. The competitiveness of our products, our profits depend on energy prices. In this sense, it is a compromise, on the one hand, and on the other it is an achievement," the expert said.
He said that Belarus has got an opportunity to plan its development in industry, technology and energy long term, regardless of market trends and the situation in Western Europe. "This is a serious groundwork for further development, a shield against Western pressure and sanctions. We get access to additional opportunities in the Russian market, in cooperation with Russian suppliers and manufacturers. This is the most welcome development because Belarus gets new opportunities for economic growth," the analyst explained.
Aleksei Dzermant compared the relations between Belarus and Russia with the human need for air. "It seems unnoticeable. But when there is not enough air, you begin to suffocate. The same applies to our economy. Energy resources and access to the Russian market are, in a sense, the air for our economy in many ways. This is what the numbers say. More than 50% of Belarus' trade accounts for Russia. We earn big in the Russian markets. Russia earns on the Belarusian market too. We pay a lot for energy. Russia has always had a surplus in trade with Belarus,” the political analyst said and added that needs "to balance out trade and find new niches for its products.”
"I think that the impact for our citizens will be quite tangible. Belarusians will have more opportunities to travel, earn and discover Russia. These programs work for ordinary people. These are not some agreements for the elites," Aleksei Dzermant added.
