NEWS
Additional measures needed to support Belarus, Saratov oblast economy during global crisis
 Belarus suggests that the Saratov oblast join it in introducing additional measures to support the economy during the global financial crisis, Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky said as he met with Saratov oblast Governor Pavel Ipatov. “We have to take additional measures to reach the volume of trade we have planned for 2008, to boost the gains of the previous years, remove the barriers and support the economy of Belarus and the Saratov oblast,” Sergei Sidorsky said.
The Prime Minister of Belarus added that during his visit to the Saratov oblast in September 2008, the sides arrived at important decisions regarding the development of bilateral trade and economic relations and signed the relevant protocol for 2008-2010. “We have done everything to create optimal conditions for the development of productions and businesses, but we have to take into consideration unexpected developments,” the head of the Belarusian government said. He underlined that it is necessary to boost the productive sector of the economy at the time when the global financial crisis is at its climax affecting the Russian companies, too.
Sergey Sidorsky underlined that Belarus is acutely aware of the developments in Russia caused by the global financial crisis, especially in the machine-building area. He added that the mineral fertilizers produced in Belarus are actively exported which means that Belarus is involved in the global economic processes. Therefore the Belarusian Prime Minister thinks that additional measures should be adopted to boost the economy of Belarus and the Saratov oblast in the given circumstances. In general, Sergey Sidorsky believes that Belarus and the Russian region have great prospects for the development of trade and economic relations and points out a significant potential of the bilateral cooperation.
The Saratov oblast Governor agreed with the proposals of the Belarusian side. “Our goal is to respond to this challenge with double energy. I am sure that we will give an appropriate response” he said.
Pavel Ipatov pointed out the efficient work of the Belarusian agriculture and the great results achieved in this area despite not very advantageous climatic conditions.
He assured Sergey Sidorsky that the Russian side will remain committed to the agreement signed in September 2008.
The visit of the Saratov oblast delegation runs through November 11. The Russian businessmen will study the expertise of some Belarusian industrial, agricultural and other enterprises.
The Saratov oblast of Russia intends to study the Belarusian experience in the development of agricultural production, Governor of the Saratov oblast Pavel Ipatov told reporters in Minsk on November 10.
For example, the Saratov oblast is interested in the practice of setting up agro-towns. During the visit the guests from Russia will focus on the performance of the Belarusian utilities economy. With a view to studying these areas more thoroughly the visit to Belarus will be extended, Pavel Ipatov informed.
Speaking about the meeting with Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky, the Saratov oblast Governor said that they discussed the measures stipulated in the protocol signed one and a half month ago in Saratov. Some measures have been launched; additional time is needed for other projects.
The main aim of strengthening bilateral relations in the long term and now, considering the financial instability in the world, is to make economic entities of Belarus and Saratov oblast stronger and their products more competitive, Pavel Ipatov said.
The Balakovo nuclear power plant is ready to help Belarus with training specialists for the future nuclear power plant starting 2009. “We could provide support in personnel training for the future Belarusian nuclear power plant and are ready to start the training in 2009. We are also ready to help out with documentation,” said Pavel Ipatov.
Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky visited the Balakovo nuclear power plant in September. A preliminary agreement on cooperation was reached during a meeting with the power plant administration.
The Balakovo nuclear power plant is Russia’s largest power generation facility. Every year the power plant generates over 30 billion kWh of electricity, providing a quarter of the power supply for the Privolzhsky Federal District and accounting for one fifth of the energy generated by Russian Federation nuclear power plants.
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