Belarus to ship timber, chemicals, fertilizers, trucks via Astrakhan ports

Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko talked to reporters and mentioned what Belarusian cargoes would be shipped via ports in Russia's Astrakhan Oblast, BelTA has learned.

In his words, Astrakhan ports are mentioned by the intergovernmental agreement on the transit of Belarusian cargoes via Russia's territory. “Very large volumes. We are talking about timber, sawn timber, chemical substances, mineral fertilizers, trucks, and so on. Astrakhan colleagues offered rather attractive terms for transshipping these cargoes and for storing them. This is why we will grab the opportunity with pleasure,” Roman Golovchenko said.

Apart from that, a proposal to think about building a logistic hub within the framework of the port's special economic zone was put forward during Roman Golovchenko's meeting with Astrakhan Oblast Governor Igor Babushkin earlier that day. “We will discuss it in detail tomorrow. We need to understand what the terms and opportunities are. But it looks attractive considering it will be more effective for marketing our products on the markets that are adjacent to the Caspian Sea region. We may be able to optimize shipment costs and turn a profit,” the prime minister noted.