Lukashenko proposes that the Samara region of Russia create joint ventures
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, proposes that the Samara region of Russia create joint enterprises, taking into account both existing competencies and new directions. He stated this during a meeting with the governor of the Samara region, Vyacheslav Fedorichev, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"We will always be ready to assist in the implementation of our agreements. If we agree on something, we will definitely fulfill the agreements," the Belarusian leader assured. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the central task is to increase non-raw material exports, enhance industrial cooperation, and produce a union product.
"We are ready to create joint enterprises together, primarily in the Samara region, because it is very powerful in industrial terms, with promising enterprises (in this Russian region. - Note from BELTA). We would like to cooperate with them. Of course, as a result of this cooperation, we would gain new competencies, and you would gain good, smart people in Belarus who could cooperate and create a joint product," the President stated. "I think we need to focus on this today, while not forgetting, of course, about traditional areas of cooperation, such as supplying our equipment to the Samara region - the type you need - passenger, cargo, municipal, road construction, quarry, agricultural, fire-fighting, and other types."
The head of state noted that in Belarus, both in industry and agriculture, all the goods necessary for life are produced. "I think this will always be in demand in the Samara region, even though it can do all this itself," the President said.
He paid special attention to the field of machine tool construction, which is also in demand in aircraft manufacturing, and this direction is developed in the Samara region. In Belarus, machine tool construction has been developed since Soviet times, and it was a Belarusian brand alongside several other industries. "Machine tool construction is a very powerful direction for the development of our industry. We have preserved all competencies and enterprises. You can connect to this. We will achieve a good effect. Therefore, we are ready to work in machine tool construction," the head of state proposed.
Another proposal made by Alexander Lukashenko is the production of components for passenger cars: "You have a whole cluster there. We have enterprises that produce components. We can cooperate together. In the end, we can share this huge Belarusian-Russian market and supply together abroad. We do not need to compete where it is unnecessary to compete."
The President also proposed to supply Belarusian elevator equipment to this Russian region, which is in demand in many countries around the world, especially in the post-Soviet space.
"I spoke about creating joint enterprises. The Samara region is very suitable for us. Because of its high development. We also strive to obtain more innovative products. In this regard, there is much to think about," Alexander Lukashenko said.
He also assured that Belarus is ready to supply not only industrial goods to the Samara region but also agricultural products, in general, to develop cooperation in the agro-industrial complex: "Food products will always be needed in Russia; they are needed today as well. Therefore, let us work together to produce the necessary products and sell them in our joint markets."
"If you see something interesting in Belarus, we are at your service. We are always ready to work and cooperate with you. We are ready to do everything we can and even what we cannot do, but will be able to do in the future," the Belarusian leader summarized.
Recently, the maximum level of trade turnover between Belarus and the Samara region reached in 2023 - over $3.2 billion. For comparison, in 2020-2021, it was about $700 million. By the end of 2024, the parties traded for $2.8 billion, and in January - May 2025 - almost $1 billion.
Equipment supplies are mainly carried out through the dealer network of Belarusian enterprises. In general, Belarus has a sufficiently developed distribution network in the region. For example, the branded trade of the concern "Bellegprom" is represented by 8 stores, and furniture from the company "Pinskdrev" is also sold through 8 stores. In addition, in the Samara region, more than one and a half dozen stores operate under the brand "Belarusian Products."