Long distance seen as no obstacle for cooperation between Belarus, Russia’s Amur Oblast

Belarus and Amur Oblast of Russia have everything in place to build cooperation across the board, Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Minister Anatoly Linevich told the media following a joint meeting of the working group on cooperation between Belarus and Amur Oblast in Minsk on 24 July, BelTA has learned.  

“We can build cooperation with Amur Oblast in all areas. This is evidenced by our trade, which is estimated at $36 million, but we can grow it up to $100 million. Amur Oblast is a promising trading partner for us. Belarus is promoting its food industry, agro-industrial complex in Amur Oblast, it also supplies equipment and provides logistics services. There is potential for growth in all areas,” Anatoly Linevich remarked.According to him, contacts are also being forged in culture, sports and tourism. “This region is new for us. Although it is located far away, this is not going to affect our interaction in any way,” the agriculture and food minister assured.

During the meeting, he emphasized that products from Belarus and Amur Oblast are in demand among consumers. “Taking into account the supply of Belarusian industrial goods to Amur Oblast through the commodity distribution network, in January - May 2024 the mutual trade rose by about 30%. This is a fairly good result. Nevertheless, our task is to explore new opportunities to increase mutual supplies of products,” said Anatoly Linevich.

The discussion was followed by a ceremony to sign the protocol of the meeting.