MINSK, 4 February (BelTA) - German firms are interested in supporting investment processes in Belarus. Germany is also ready to facilitate Belarusian exports to Europe, in particular electric vehicles, Mark Hauptmann, a member of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy of the German Bundestag, head of the German-Belarusian parliamentary friendship group, told BelTA.
The German parliamentary delegation is on an official visit to Belarus. On 4 February they met with Andrei Savinykh, the chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs at the House of Representatives of the National Assembly.
“We are interested in Belarusian vehicles running on electricity. I think they will be in demand in Europe. But here you will have to overcome some barriers first, bring certain standards in line. As for German investments in Belarus, there are many opportunities. First of all, these are technology startups in the Hi-Tech Park - small enterprises starting to work on the basis of new ideas. There is a lot of potential here,” Mark Hauptmann said.
The delegation plans to visit the HTP on 5 February. According to the foreign guest, after the UK's exit from the EU, Berlin has become the most important hub for start-ups. The German MP mentioned great opportunities for cooperation and investment in agricultural machinery.
“After the UK left the EU, Germany has maintained friendly relations with that country. But sometimes friendly ties also require new approaches. In the economic, military and political areas, within NATO, we will re-organize our cooperation with the United Kingdom. We will continue maintaining close cooperation. However, we are going to provide each other with enough personal space, given the decision of the British people to leave the European Union,” said the Bundestag MP.
Mark Hauptmann stressed that Germany aims to develop closer cooperation with Belarus. Following some stagnation in the relations, the country has taken course for rapprochement. Germany is also ready for further integration with the countries of Eastern Europe.
According to Andrei Savinykh, German representatives have come to show an open position and interest in discussing all the issues that would help bring Belarus and Germany closer. This, in turn, will contribute to the convergence of the country's positions with the EU.
“I am convinced that we need to continue dialogue without any restrictions. These are the matters of political and social development. The focus should be made on cooperative ties. Belarus can deepen its ties with Germany in the automotive and instrument-making sectors by making spare parts for its machinery. We have already gained positive experience in the automotive industry. This practice should be further expanded. In the instrument-making industry Belarus can also be competitive on the world arena,” Andrei Savinykh said. According to the Belarusian MP, now the task is to find serious partners, and also ways to promote the area, as instrument engineering will be developing at its fastest pace within the next decade.
Belarus needs to make the right choice for the future of its industrial policy. The Bundestag can be a good partner in all the above-mentioned issues, Andrei Savinykh added.
Photos by Maksim Guchek
