President meets with governors of Irkutsk and Leningrad Regions

25 сентября 2020
The joint terminal at the seaport, fish feed production, combined buses and clean water are promising areas of cooperation between Belarus and Russian regions, which were discussed today at the Palace of Independence. Alexander Lukashenko met with the governors of Leningrad and Irkutsk Regions.

Alexander Drozdenko as the head of the north-western region of Russia visited our country about 5 years ago. New innovations in the industry, agriculture, technologies have appeared since then. The current business trip to our country is a good opportunity to observe everything on the eve of the Forum of Regions.

Our turnover has consistently exceeded half a billion dollars in recent years (a slight decline this year due to the pandemic). There is every chance to return trade to its previous level and even to increase contracts: guests are interested in our line of equipment, passenger transport, agro-industrial complex. The main goal is to increase volumes through the deepening of cooperation and new projects.

Leningrad Region is also interested in urban transport. The governor announces that they are ready to purchase up to 1 500 combined buses. We increased the supply of our forestry equipment and tried heavy road vehicles. Our collaboration is a mix of tradition and innovation.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad Region of Russia: "As of August 1, we have already bought more agricultural equipment than during the whole 2019. One of the reasons is that we subsidize the purchase of Belarusian equipment by 35% from the budget of Leningrad Region to our manufacturers. We have a lot of Belarusian equipment, a good combination of price and quality, a good service base. Therefore, we understand that it is inexpedient to change it for other models of equipment."

2021 has been declared the year of clean water in Leningrad Region. "We want to purchase water treatment installments in Belarus from small containers to large modular buildings. They are universal. We have already purchased more than a dozen of such plants, tested, installed - everything is fine. There will be a big contract for next year", - added the governor of Leningrad Region.

Igor Kobzev's visit to Minsk is the first business trip after taking office as governor of Irkutsk Region. The region is promising for Belarus. We have managed to increase trade turnover from $70 to $284 million over the past 4 years. The parties intend to improve the current situation through projects in logistics, mechanical engineering, agriculture and construction.

Irkutsk Region wants to take Belarus' experience in reforestation. The delegation intends to visit our nurseries, the governor shared his plans. The region also sees prospects for long-term cooperation in agriculture and the supply of Belarusian municipal equipment.