Sakhalin Region Governor on super project planned for implementation with Belarus

The Sakhalin Region will continue to actively purchase Belarusian equipment and work over joint import substitution projects – as noted by Governor Valery Limarenko at a meeting with Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko today

The Sakhalin Region Governor thanked Aleksandr Lukashenko for the award bestowed upon him and recalled the first meeting with the Belarusian leader: it was at times when the construction of the Belarusian NPP was discussed. He noted that the Russian side had kept its promise: the partners built a modern, safe station at advantageous terms.

Referring to the interaction of the Sakhalin Region and Belarus, the Governor said that, since 2015, a bilateral agreement on trade, economic, technical and cultural co-operation has been in force, and an action plan for its implementation in 2024-2026 has been signed this year.

As noted by the Russian guest, Belarus-made machinery is among the most promising areas of trade for Sakhalin. “We import MTZ, Polesie and AMKODOR equipment, as well as MAZ buses (we bought a hundred vehicles recently). In nine years of our co-operation [since 2015], we have purchased 900 units [of machinery],” Mr. Limarenko said. 

The turnover figures do not reflect an objective picture, since – as noted by the Sakhalin Region Governor – Belarus-made equipment is bought not only directly, but also through dealerships in Russia. “We will continue to purchase such a quantity, there are certain reasons for this," he added.

Mr. Limarenko also touched upon the joint work with BelAZ to create a heavy truck powered by hydrogen fuel right in a quarry. “If under the conditions of sanctions, Russia and Belarus manage to realise a super project [and make a truck] that will consume hydrogen, it will be a serious technological breakthrough," he stressed.