Lukashenko on trade between Belarus and Russia’s Smolensk Region: we have to work harder

The economy is the basis and foundation of relations between Belarus and Russia’s Smolensk Region – as noted by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during his today’s meeting with Governor of the Smolensk Region Vasily Anokhin

The Head of State pointed out that the trade turnover between Belarus and the Smolensk Region once reached almost $5bn, “It is just a gateway for Belarus to the huge Russia. As Putin and I agreed, the three regions — Bryansk, Smolensk, Pskov — should be closely connected with Belarus. Moreover, St. Petersburg, a city that is dear to us and familiar to us, is close by. They are ready to liaise with us across all areas. We’re also working with Sakhalin. Anyway, the basis is our neighbours, and the fact that we are falling down a little bit in terms of trade turnover, we need to figure out in the Government what the problem is there, and work hard to make sure that we have this $5bn.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko named the creation of a MAZ service centre in the Smolensk Region as one of the key areas of co-operation, “I don’t see any problems. We need to set up a service and maintenance centre. Otherwise, why would they need our MAZ vehicles if we can’t service them. Although Belarus is nearby, and we will always back it up, but it is necessary to have this site there as well.”