Lukashenko outlines cooperation priorities with Kazakhstan

Regions should play a primary role in the development of trade between Belarus and Kazakhstan, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he made new personnel appointments on 14 January, BelTA has learned.

Appointing Aleksei Bogdanov as Belarus’ Ambassador to Kazakhstan, the head of state asked how he saw the relations with Kazakhstan.

“I set myself the task to exceed $1 billion in the export of Belarusian products. Our trade in 2021 exceeded $1 billion in total and today it amounts to $1.1-1.2 billion. But we still have exports at $800-900 million. We need to more more in this respect,” the former Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade replied.

“At the expense of what?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.

Aleksei Bogdanov emphasized the need to develop joint production of tractors and harvesters. According to him, MAZ, Mogilevliftmash and Bobruiskagromash needs to act more actively on the market of Kazakhstan.

“We will work on these matters. We also need to increase supplies of Belarusian food products. We will focus on increasing the supply of halal products,” the diplomat said. “Politics, culture, and sports will be part of our work as well. We will need to work in all the areas.”

Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi added that another reserve in relations with Kazakhstan was cooperation at the interregional level.

“Kazakhstan will buy everything from us if it shows good price and quality. Especially quality,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. “This market is of interest not only to Russia or to Belarus, but also to the West and to the People's Republic of China. Therefore, our major work should be done through the regions. We need to establish relations with specific people and local officials.”

The president drew attention to the need to pursue a similar policy in Uzbekistan. “We have great relations with President [Shavkat] Mirziyoyev. We need to work with them. I am sure that there is a big field of activity there,” the Belarusian leader said.