MINSK, 8 April (BelTA) – In the complicated financial and economic conditions Belarus and Russia should keep manufacturing ties strong and create new cooperation models. It will allow overcoming negative consequences of the global crisis together. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with Moscow Oblast Governor Boris Gromov in Minsk on 8 April, BelTA has learned. Alexander Lukashenko also believes that no restrictions regarding the access of commodities to each other’s market should exist because the present level of manufacturing cooperation testifies that a common Belarusian-Russian product is manufactured. Belarusian and Russian companies should enjoy state support on equal terms as well as access to government purchases and credit resources, the President believes. According to the head of state, the mutual trade can be boosted by increasing the number of commodities with a high added value, primarily, high-tech and science-intensive products. Speaking about Belarus’ cooperation with the Moscow Oblast, the President remarked that the Russian province is one of the top-priority trade and economic partners and ranks third in the amount of Belarus’ trade with Russian provinces. Over the eight years since the governments of Belarus and the Moscow Oblast signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation the bilateral trade has increased by more than 500%. It hit a record high of almost $3 billion in the favorable year of 2008. Alexander Lukashenko assured the Governor that the Belarusian side will continue working on it in the future. “If there is your will to cooperate, we will be able to do a lot in the next few years,” he said. The President remarked that the sides have worked out cooperation schemes that allow them to effectively resolve problems, discuss and decide on all matters able to considerably boost the bilateral economic potential. “Our cooperation went beyond plain commodity supplies a long time ago. We have fruitful manufacturing cooperation ties between companies, we are creating joint ventures for the sake of manufacturing competitive products,” said the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus is interested in jointly manufacturing any commodities ranging from mechanical engineering ones to food. “I think it is profitable for the Moscow Oblast, too, because our products, machines are 1.5 times and sometimes 2 times less expensive than foreign competitors,” he said. The head of state also said that Belarus is ready to consider not only supplies of Belarusian products, but also the enhancement of joint production of agricultural machines at Moscow Oblast enterprises. The President also reminded about successful bilateral work in other areas, too. In particular, Belarusian construction companies are now looking for a location to build one million square meters of affordable homes in Russia. The head of state said he wishes it to be the Moscow Oblast. In addition, successful cooperation in XXI century laser technologies has been established. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
