Lukashenko on cooperation with Bashkortostan: we simply have to increase trade turnover and exceed $320 million
Belarus and Bashkortostan have everything necessary to increase trade turnover this year and exceed $320 million. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on February 7 during a meeting with the head of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation Radiy Khabirov, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The head of state emphasized at the beginning of the meeting that there are good relations between Belarus and the Russian region, and there are a number of joint technological projects. "But, frankly speaking, we somewhat slowed down last year (perhaps the statistics do not provide completely accurate information). We have decreased our trade turnover by about 5-6%," said Alexander Lukashenko. "We simply must increase this trade turnover this year and exceed the $315 - 320 million that we have achieved."
The President noted that bilateral cooperation has been established in many areas and there is good potential for its expansion. "It is comfortable and very beneficial for us to cooperate with you because your republic is the European center of the Russian Federation, the most advanced and developed center when considering the regions as a whole. Therefore, it is advantageous for us to cooperate with you and work together," the head of state noted.
For example, the parties are already working closely in machine engineering, with a joint venture for the assembly and sale of tractors. Belarus supplies nodes and components for tractors to the Russian region, which are assembled in Bashkortostan, adding certain parts to produce in-demand products. "There is a very good demand for it," the President noted.
Cooperation between the Belarusian MAZ and the Ufa tram and trolleybus factory is also developing successfully. If in 2020 - 2022 they produced from 20 to 60 trolleybuses annually, in 2023 - 2024 they are expected to produce over 300 units per year. "These are good rates. I think we need to develop this area of cooperation," said Alexander Lukashenko. Continuing on this topic, he noted that there is readiness on the Belarusian side for joint work on the restoration of trams using bodies from Belkommunmash. "If needed, there will be no delays on our side," the President assured.
"This is by no means charity from our country. For us, this is an extremely beneficial option for cooperation. We are ready to continue working with you in the areas we have," the head of state emphasized.
Separately, Alexander Lukashenko mentioned Belarus's plans to open a production and service center for "AMKODOR" in Ufa. "Equipment will always be needed, especially for such a vast Russia. You are building roads, well done, both at the federal level and you are engaged in the construction of regional roads. And you cannot do without equipment. We can fully meet the demand for this equipment and work together first on assembly and then on joint production of equipment similar to "AMKODOR" using these technologies," the President proposed.
The meeting also discussed a traditional export position for Belarus, such as food products. However, this topic is not as relevant for Bashkortostan, as the region has a well-developed agricultural sector. "Your republic is well developed in this regard. Both you and Tatarstan are engaged in agriculture quite decently. Nevertheless, if you have a need for food products, please let’s discuss this topic. It is very important now," the head of state said. "We are ready to work with you with pleasure."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus and Bashkortostan have been working together in the field of drones for the agro-industrial complex. In this regard, the President proposed to continue and expand cooperation: "There is experience, there are certain developments. The market is good today. I think we need to move in this direction."
The same applies to cooperation in the light industry. "Fabrics, knitwear, sewing products, footwear, carpets, workwear, and other goods - everything needed for a person in clothing (and footwear) we know how to make. And if you need not only our goods but also technologies that suit you, we will be happy to work together," the President noted.
Characterizing the overall relations with the Russian region, the head of state once again emphasized Belarus's interest in developing joint work across a wide range of areas. "Bashkortostan is a very important region of Russia for us, with which we would like to cooperate. Firstly, it is very developed and advanced. Secondly, it is the center of the European territory of Russia, and working with you, we can consider that we will also work in neighboring regions. If we agree on certain issues, do not doubt that we will definitely fulfill our obligations," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.
For his part, Radiy Khabirov thanked for the warm welcome and the opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation. Taking the opportunity, he congratulated Alexander Lukashenko on his convincing victory in the elections: "We believe that this is a very important event not only for Belarus but also for our states."
Radiy Khabirov emphasized that Belarus is not just an external economic partner for Bashkortostan, but a brotherly republic. Over the years, significant volumes of various Belarusian machinery have been purchased, service centers have been developed, and this work will continue. Cooperation in the petrochemical sector is also developing well, and the sympathy of the residents of Bashkortostan has been confidently won by Belarusian food products.