Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Sivak, at a meeting with the head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Batu Khasikov, outlined the key areas of cooperation with this Russian region.
As Anatoly Sivak noted, the development of direct ties with Russian regions is the basis of Belarusian-Russian economic cooperation. He thanked Bata Khasikov for the attention that he and his team pay to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Belarus, for the desire to deepen mutually beneficial relations between the parties. “The visit of your delegation is a clear confirmation of this,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Due to its territorial location and climatic conditions, the Republic of Kalmykia cannot be called a simple region. But the main asset that he has is hardworking and dedicated people, stated Anatoly Sivak.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the parties need to increase mutual trade turnover. “I am confident that this visit, during which a number of meetings, negotiations, visits to large industrial enterprises of Belarus, as well as the next meeting of the joint working group are planned, will give additional impetus to the development of relations between us,” he emphasized.
“It is obvious that with the departure of Western companies from our markets, new niches have emerged specifically for manufacturers of goods. The current difficult situation in the international arena, the sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus, is a time of opportunity for manufacturers of products in our countries, for industrial cooperation, scientific and technical cooperation and implementation of new ambitious mutually beneficial projects. Therefore, close coordination at all levels, a joint search for ways to counter sanctions and neutralize the negative consequences of restrictive measures are also our priority areas of cooperation," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Anatoly Sivak emphasized that Belarus has significant export potential for food products and agricultural raw materials. “In our country you can find a wide range of food products. The demand for Belarusian food on the Russian market is constantly increasing,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
In his opinion, it is worth seriously considering the issues of mutual cooperation and exchange of experience in the development of new technologies used in the agricultural sector. “Our country has deep developments and technologies in livestock breeding, breeding, seed production, growing grain and vegetable crops, as well as in the field of training agricultural personnel. The potential of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus allows us to build effective interaction with research organizations of the Republic of Kalmykia in the field of crop production , vegetable growing, livestock farming,” he said.
Belarusian mechanical engineering enterprises produce a wide range of machinery and equipment. “We are ready to meet the needs of the Republic of Kalmykia for modern automotive, road construction, municipal, and passenger equipment using mutually acceptable financial instruments and providing warranty and service,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
In the development of the economy of the Republic of Kalmykia, the processing of local raw materials, wool, sheepskin, and leather raw materials is important. “I think you will be interested in the possibilities of the enterprises of the Bellegprom concern for organizing the processing of raw materials from Kalmykia at these enterprises,” noted Anatoly Sivak.
“Our specialists are ready to participate in the design and construction of schools, kindergartens, multidisciplinary cultural and sports facilities, administrative buildings and medical facilities. Of particular interest may be the construction of social facilities using credit resources from the Development Bank of Belarus. This form allows you to pay for design and construction services after the facility is put into operation, which is especially important when a social issue needs to be resolved quickly,” he stated.
Also, Belarus and the Republic of Kalmykia have huge untapped potential for cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. “Science, education, culture, sports are those areas of life that need open dialogue leading to mutual spiritual enrichment,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Belarusian side is ready to consider as quickly as possible any proposals from our partners that would strengthen trade, economic, scientific, technical, educational and cultural ties, interaction in sports. I propose to analyze existing reserves, untapped opportunities and find new promising points for increasing trade turnover and strengthening production -cooperative ties,” summed up the Deputy Prime Minister.