Lukashenko optimistic about trade prospects between Belarus and Russia’s Kuzbass

Belarus and Kuzbass have everything in place to increase trade, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Russia’s Kemerovo Oblast (Kuzbass) Ilya Seredyuk in Minsk on 23 June, BelTA has learned.

“I am aware of the difficulties and challenges that everyone is talking about today. There are always stumbling blocks, but with focused effort and a strong will, any challenge can be overcome. We can ramp up our trade with Kuzbass to at least half a billion dollars,” the president said.

In 2024, the trade between Belarus and Kemerovo Oblast amounted to $225 million. For comparison: in 2022, it exceeded $614 million.