MINSK, 22 April (BelTA) - Belarus is determined to increase bilateral trade with Arkhangelsk Oblast of Russia, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Russia's Arkhangelsk Oblast Alexander Tsybulsky on 22 April, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Tsybulsky has come to Belarus on his first working visit as head of Arkhangelsk Oblast by the first direct flight launched between the two parties. The head of state emphasized the significance of the event.
“It is a good start for both businessmen and travelers, especially from remote corners of Russia. This is a good opportunity to get familiar with the country and recuperate in its health resorts. A lot of Russians visit us, and we compete for the first or second place among foreign destinations for Russian travelers. We have something to offer each other in the tourism sector,” the president said.
Arkhangelsk Oblast is a long-standing and reliable partner of Belarus. However, the parties have not done enough yet to increase mutual trade, the head of state noted. “I believe we have everything ahead of us. Mutual trade has been gradually rising since 2020,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Five years ago the parties talked about reaching the then record-high $46 million in the exchange of goods ($45.7 million at the end of 2019). In 2023, a new record was set and the bilateral trade made up $85 million.
The ongoing year is showing positive trends. Trade increased 2.7 times, up to $27.5 million. At the same time, import from Arkhangelsk Oblast grew at a faster pace - 4.6 times, to almost $22 million. Belarusian export is growing at a more modest pace - only by 7.7%. “We, of course, are determined to do more and I believe that very soon we will catch up with you,” the president said.
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