The volume of trade between Belarus and Kazakhstan remains steadily high, but there is potential for the two countries to achieve more, Belarus’ Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin said during expanded-format talks with Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
“The volume of mutual trade between our countries is consistently high, reaching around $1 billion. Notably, this year both Belarusian exports to Kazakhstan and Kazakh imports to Belarus are gaining momentum. It is important that this dynamic continues. Moreover, I believe we are capable of reaching even more significant figures, given the development potential of our countries. I think that in the next five-year period we should substantially raise this bar for ourselves and prove that we can achieve even greater results,” Aleksandr Turchin stressed.
The talks focused on continuing efforts to strengthen trade and economic ties. One of the main priorities is cooperation in the manufacturing industry, particularly in mechanical engineering. “Our joint enterprises have been operating in Kazakhstan for several years now. The level of localization has reached such a point that this is now a truly joint product,” the Belarusian Prime Minister noted.
During the official visit of the Belarusian Government delegation to Astana, talks aretaking place to discuss further cooperation, new connections, and promising projects. “Our cooperation is not limited to the economy and trade; it also covers the humanitarian area. We have joint projects in education, culture, sports, and tourism. In my view, expanding ties in these areas will strengthen the foundation of our relations and enrich their content,” Aleksandr Turchin emphasized.
He added: “For us, Kazakhstan is a priority trade and economic partner, and therefore our Government is commited to developing these ties in every possible way. The level of dialogue established between our heads of state obliges us to demonstrate steady growth in trade and further relations between our countries.”
Olzhas Bektenov, in turn, noted that relations between the two countries are picking up steam. “I am confident that your official visit to Kazakhstan will give an additional impetus to the development of our relations and strengthen the partnership between our countries. Our relations are truly strategic in nature, characterized by a trusting dialogue at all levels. Not only trade, economic, and investment ties are developing, but also cultural and humanitarian ones. Our peoples know each other’s history and culture well. I would like our cultural and humanitarian ties to grow even stronger. I believe this is very important if we want to build a long-term relationship. Our peoples must know each other, respect and value one another, and this is a serious foundation, including for the economy,” he emphasized.
According to Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, trade between the two countries this year is encouraging. “Our industrial cooperation has traditionally developed well. The overall pool of our projects includes 15 joint production facilities. Twelve have already been implemented with a total investment of more than $200 million. Work on three projects is currently underway. Together with our Belarusian partners, we are working on deepening the localization of the product lines manufactured here in Kazakhstan, and we always find mutual understanding and a constructive approach to these matters. Today, a roadmap will be adopted for the development of cooperation in industrial partnership over the next three years. I believe this will also allow us to move more specifically and purposefully toward achieving the goals we have set. The Government of Kazakhstan is ready to do its best to ensure that our trade, economic, and other relations develop intensively and on a mutually beneficial basis,” Olzhas Bektenov stressed.
Photo: BELTA
