Petrishenko: Belarus is ready to increase supplies of passenger, cargo and agricultural machinery to the Pskov region

May 31, MINSK. Belarus is ready to increase deliveries of passenger, cargo, road-building, municipal and agricultural equipment, elevators to the Pskov region. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko during a meeting with Governor of the Pskov Region Mikhail Vedernikov via videoconference, BelTA has learned.

"There is a positive trend in trade and economic cooperation. Trade turnover increased by 45% last year. Positive dynamics continued in the first quarter of this year - an increase of 61.7%. Exports are also growing. At the beginning of the year, we have good rates, taking into account the foundation laid in the documents. We need to maintain this momentum until the end of this year," Igor Petrishenko said.

In his opinion, the possibilities of cooperation have not yet been exhausted. "In the context of Western sanctions, the intensification of work to replace the supply of goods from unfriendly countries is of particular importance. We have something to offer each other to expand the range of mutual trade, as well as to create joint ventures. We have good enough resources to meet the needs of the Pskov region in modern cargo, passenger, road construction, municipal vehicles and equipment. Particularly promising is cooperation in the supply of gas-powered vehicles, in particular MAZ buses. Sea trials of our gas-powered bus were successfully completed in the Pskov region," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

The Belarusian side is ready to intensify its participation in the programs for the development of the agro-industrial complex of the Pskov region, to increase the supply of Belarusian agricultural machinery products to the region, including power-packed tractors, grain and forage harvesters, grain drying complexes, sowing and tillage machines that are not inferior to world analogues.

"Our Pskov friends may also be interested in the construction of housing and social facilities with the attraction of credit resources from the Development Bank of Belarus," Igor Petrishenko added.

In addition, Belarus is interested in increasing the supply of Mogilevliftmash products to the market of the Pskov region.

The Vice Premier also noted the positive experience of interregional cooperation on the example of interaction between neighboring regions - Vitebsk and Pskov. "I think it is expedient to extend this positive practice to other regions of our country. In the near future we will submit the relevant draft documents for your consideration," he concluded.

In 2021, the trade turnover between Belarus and the Pskov region amounted to $155 million and increased by 45% compared to 2020, exports - $95.1 million (an increase of 44.4%). The positive balance is $35.2 million. In January-March 2022, the trade turnover amounted to $42.7 million (an increase of 61.7%), exports - $26.3 million (by 56.3%). The positive balance is provided in the amount of $9.9 million.

The basis of exports was the supply of specific goods, MILK and cream, frozen beef, fish, eggs, plates, sheets, films from high-pressure plastics, copper wire, shoes with genuine leather uppers, shoe parts. Among the main imports are waste and scrap of ferrous metals, insulated wires, cables, furniture and its parts, tissue paper, wallpaper, rape seeds, prepared and canned fish, caviar, electric generators and engines.

Photo by Oksana Manchuk