Posted: 26.10.2023 12:06:00

Lukashenko against creation of parallel production facilities in Belarus-Russia Union State market

During his today’s meeting with the Governor of the Vologda Region of Russia, Oleg Kuvshinnikov, President Aleksandr Lukashenko outlined the most promising areas for co-operation between Belarus and the Vologda Region

Photo: www.president.gov.by

In particular, co-operation in the industrial sphere was in focus, and Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “The Vologda Region has become an important support for Belarus in the north-west of Russia for the promotion of primarily machine-building products. Own structures of the distribution network have been formed, assembly production is functioning on the basis of the Cherepovets Foundry and Mechanical Plant. Work is underway to expand localisation, in particular of components and assemblies for tractors.”

The President also noted that metalworking is well developed in the Vologda Region, which means that there is definitely a need to update the equipment stock, “However, to be honest, we are somehow marking time in this regard. I am sure you understand this not worse than I do. As for the BELAZ-Severstal co-operation, it has been progressing quite well, but the Vologda Region market is of great practical interest for MAZ in all areas. So far, our manufacturers fail to work effectively, participate in tenders, and so on.”

The President also mentioned parallel production as another topic that needs to be paid attention to. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, waiting lists for some Vologda-made metal products already cover the beginning of 2024. “Sooner or later, the foundry will need to be updated, and additional volumes of cast iron and steel casting will have to be produced. Obviously, it is necessary to update and expand the technological base. Should we create parallel productions? Belarusian and Russian industrialists may decide on the feasibility of creating a new production facility in Cherepovets or, possibly, at another site to make castings in the interests of the machine building industry of Belarus and Russia. This issue is ambiguous, and a deep expert analysis is needed. There should be no parallels if we represent a single market and strive for this. We have other issues to think of rather than parallel productions. We need to develop and strengthen what we already have,” the Head of State noted.