Gryzlov on implementation of Belarus, Russia import-substituting projects: we won’t need Western suppliers

The implementation of import substitution projects will enable Belarus and Russia to get rid of Western suppliers – as noted by Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov during the presentation of trade-economic opportunities of Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region, held in the pavilion of the Chelyabinsk Region in Minsk

“Belarus-Russia trade turnover is growing rapidly and has already exceeded $50bn. This year, we already see an 8.5 percent increase. This is important because new jobs are being created in Belarus which also ensure import substitution. Russia has allocated a loan for 105bn Russian Roubles. The products that previously had to be purchased from the EU states will now be produced partly in Belarus and partly in Russia. Thus, we won’t need Western suppliers; we will decide everything ourselves,” the Ambassador stressed.

Speaking about the pavilion of the Chelyabinsk Region, the diplomat noted that it is the only one in Belarus so far, and it proves its effectiveness.

“It provides an opportunity to see the manufactured products, negotiate and discuss the possibilities of supply and purchase. This is a good form of liaisons, and we welcome it. Today we have talked about how to develop it further. About 150 enterprises of the Chelyabinsk Region have already presented their goods here during one and a half years. According to the contracts signed here, $23m of products were produced.”