ST. PETERSBURG, 29 December (BelTA) – Giving access for Belarusian enterprises to public procurement programs in Russia will benefit both countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in St. Petersburg on 29 December, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that recently the two countries have been able to advance the cooperation and joint work in terms of import substitution. "It turns out there's a lot we can do," he said.
Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia's decision to give access for Belarusian enterprises to public procurement programs in Russia was a good step. “This has significantly expanded the opportunities for Belarusian enterprises. For Russia it is good too, because it increases the level of competitiveness in the market," the Russian leader said.
"Competing with Russian companies does good for Belarusian enterprises," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
"This is true. The level of internal competition must be high. In this sense, it was an absolutely informed decision. It will benefit both Belarus and Russia," the Russian president added.
