Lukashenko suggests setting up cooperative enterprises with Russia

Now is the right moment to promote cooperative ties with Khabarovsk Territory and other regions of Russia, President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Khabarovsk Territory Governor Mikhail Degtyaryov, BelTA has learned. The head of state noted that distance is no longer an obstacle for promoting trade and economic cooperation. “We have good means of communication. Therefore, we should trade, as trade is the basis of any economy. We can provide you with equipment, various types of machinery, building materials, food, and industrial products. Yet, this is too simple. We need to advance towards closer cooperation. It is a blessing in disguise. Now we have the right moment to create cooperative enterprises. You are welcome to come here and launch companies. More than that, we are ready to operate in Khabarovsk, in Vladivostok, if you want us to. You know our economy, we produce more than we need, and we export almost as much as we consume. Therefore, we can scale up some cooperation projects in other countries, regions of the Russian Federation,” the head of state said. Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that this matter was discussed at his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the parties see no obstacles for expanding cooperation: “We agreed to build closer cooperation ties.” Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled the recent meeting to discuss the state of things in the defense industry. Both Belarus and Russia boast good solutions in this sector. Traditionally, Belarus offers cooperation in the agricultural industry: “We are not inferior to any leading country in terms of modern technology in the agricultural industry. The current situation has shown that we are competitive.” According to the president, it is not only about the supply of agricultural products, but also about closer cooperation in the agricultural industry. “We have worked in Amur Region, on Sakhalin. We have built and equipped dairy complexes, and they are functioning well today. We are ready to train specialists in Belarus,” he said. Belarus is also ready to build special storage facilities for agricultural products in Khabarovsk Territory; this matter is relevant for the region. Construction industry and investment projects are also promising avenues of cooperation. “We are ready to implement turnkey projects to build houses and schools (we have already shown how we can do it in Russia), kindergartens, universities. At the request of the president of Russia, we joined the construction of important facilities in Vladivostok; the Vostochny cosmodrome is a separate topic. We have already got down to work there. We are ready to operate in Khabarovsk Territory, if you need. Infrastructure facilities - bridges, roads - this is our forte, we have enough specialists in this field. We will have no competitors there when it comes to price and quality,” the Belarusian leader assured. Belarus is also ready to supply equipment to Khabarovsk Territory and build water purification and sanitation facilities. In general, Belarus offers this Russian region a wide range of products and services.