Belarus' agricultural exports up almost 30% over five years

Belarus' agricultural exports have increased by nearly 30% over the past five years, First Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo said at the 31st edition of the international exhibition Belagro 2021 on 1 June, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus has a lot to be proud of. We have doubled milk production and nearly tripled meat production compared to 1995 level. The country has become one of the top five exporters of dairy products, and also become the leader in beef and poultry exports. We sell our products to 116 countries,” said Igor Brylo.

According to him, gross agricultural production has increased by more than 12% over the last five years. “Most importantly, we have increased exports of our agricultural products by almost 30% over the past five years: it reached $5.8 billion last year. The foreign trade surplus grew from $155 million in 2016 to $1.5 billion in 2020,” the first deputy minister said.

“We both ensure the country's food security and continue increasing exports. Under the state program Agricultural Business we sets ambitious goals to increase production and export further,” Igor Brylo said.

Belarus actively increases agricultural exports to China. “In just a couple of years they have certified our dairy industry, meat processing plants and a number of poultry farms. Now we are looking to expand the range of products we supply. China has already become third largest importer of Belarusian agricultural products. I think it will soon become the second largest importer, right after Russia,” the first deputy minister said.