Rustam Minnikhanov: Belarus has constantly been among the leaders – foreign trade partners of Tatarstan
On September 2, at their meeting in the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Belarus' Ambassador to Russia Vladimir Semashko discussed issues of cooperation in the field of industry and economics. In particular, they discussed interaction in terms of deliveries of agricultural machinery, further promotion of joint projects.
Minnikhanov thanked the Ambassador for taking part in the Tatarstan Oil and Gas Chemical Forum opened at the Kazan Fair Exhibition Centre today.
He expressed his gratitude to the Belarusian Embassy in Russia for work done to develop cooperation between Tatarstan and Belarus, as well as to prepare for a visit of a delegation of Tatarstan to Belarus in late September.
“The Republic of Belarus is one of the leading foreign partners of Tatarstan,” Minnikhanov said.
He continued that Tatarstan and Belarus had signed a cooperation agreement, an action plan, as well as a number of protocols and agreements between ministries, chambers of commerce and industry, and academies of sciences.
A branch of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus is actively operating in Kazan, honorary consuls of Belarus are working in Tatarstan and in Yelabuga, Minnikhanov reminded.
Tatarstan also reminded that the cities of Kazan and Minsk are twin cities.
“Belarus has constantly been among the leaders - foreign trade partners of the republic,” Minnikhanov said. “Last year, our trade turnover grew by 13.5 per cent to amount to about 1.2 billion US dollars.”
Cooperation is developing in the field of petrochemical industry, mechanical engineering, agriculture and the supply of agricultural machinery, transport, medicine, high technology, ecology, construction, light industry, and the consumer market, he went on to say.
Tatarstan has been successfully cooperating with such Belarusian companies as Belneftekhim, Minsk tractor works, Gomselmash, and Minsk Automobile Plant for many years.
Two residents, SMIT and STiM-Alabuga, are working in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone with the participation of Belarusian investors.
As many as 18 Tatneft’s filling stations are successfully operating in Belarus.
More than 60 per cent of all agricultural machinery of Tatarstan are made in Belarus. This year alone, Tatarstan agricultural producers have purchased more than 60 tractors (Minsk tractor works) and 10 combines.
Besides, Belarusian city buses and trams have worked well.
“We have many opportunities for cooperation, especially in the field of economics,” Minnikhanov said. “But for now, we are not using them to the full extent.” It is necessary to expand cooperation in the field of mechanical engineering, gas engine fuel, high technologies and other spheres. "
“We have great potential for interaction. Our joint task is to use it for the benefit of further strengthening Russian-Belarusian relations,” Minnikhanov concluded.
In his turn, Semashko said that he visited Kazan five years ago and noted that the city has changed, becoming modern and attractive.