Minsk to become an international trade, logistics and production hub

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko devoted the past week to a large-scale negotiation marathon on the Arabian Peninsula. First, the Head of State paid a working visit to the Sultanate of Oman, then to the United Arab Emirates.

belta

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said had very warm and resultive talks in Muscat. The leaders of the two countries discussed the prospects for the development of relations, areas in which additional impetus can be given to bilateral co-operation. The heads of state also shared views on the current international agenda. The leaders talked in an expanded format, with the participation of members of the delegations. Then a one-on-one meeting took place. 
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said proposed to create a hub of Belarusian goods in the country. He suggested strategic areas of co-operation. Belarus and Oman also agreed to develop a corresponding roadmap. 
“We will set up an intergovernmental commission or committee, work out a roadmap, a plan. The Sultan promised to come to Belarus next year. And by that time we will have worked out a roadmap”, Aleksandr Lukashenko told journalists later in Muscat.

belta

belta

Article by Lukashenko Belarus and Oman: Traditions of Friendship in a Changing World

The article by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko — Belarus and Oman: Traditions of Friendship in a Changing World — was published on the Omandaily online portal. The publication was timed to coincide with the working visit of the Belarusian leader to Oman.
As noted by the Head of State, Minsk and Muscat have set a course to ensure the inviolability of two basic priorities.
The first priority is of major importance: it envisages the building of a socially oriented state where real concern for people is not just a slogan, but a political course. “We once declared that Belarus is a state for the people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. “Belarus and Oman are similar in this approach. The Oman Vision 2040 state programme — impressive in its scale and ambitious tasks — lays the foundations for social well-being, which testifies to the deep strategic thinking of the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman and concern for future generations. We are very impressed by this.”
The second priority focuses on the conflict-free building of relations with all countries — near and far, regardless of their size, political weight and influence in international affairs. “Belarus and Oman, each in their own region, are well known for efforts to de-escalate tensions and initiatives of peace negotiations. Life proves on a daily basis that investments in peace and security are today the most sought-after and wise decisions that allow us to plan development in many directions. Belarusians, in principle, are exceptionally hospitable and peaceful people by their nature. We are always glad to have good friends and want to live in peace with everyone,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
In his article, the President of Belarus announced Minsk’s desire to become an international trade, logistics and production hub. “Due to its location, Minsk seeks to strengthen investment co-operation by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming an international trade, logistics and production hub,” the article reads. “This is actually a great opportunity for Omani companies that are looking for areas to invest in non-resource industries. Such a partnership will contribute to the development of the production base in various sectors of the economy and increase the contribution of exports to the GDP of our countries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
The article also describes what Belarus can offer Oman.

On supply of Belarusian goods
First of all, the Belarusian side offers supplies of the products of mechanical engineering, light and chemical industries, as well as food.
“Our petrochemical enterprises are of the advanced level judging by world standards. Biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals are among Belarus’ priority development vectors, and more than half of all medicines in the country are of domestic production. Moreover, this share is growing. Belarus offers a number of unique drugs for the treatment of oncological, immune and cardiovascular diseases,” the Head of State noted.

On possibilities of medicine
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that a high quality of Belarusian medicine and advanced treatment technologies are also among the country’s hallmarks. The infant mortality rate in the republic is one of the lowest in the world, and modern Belarusian transplantation is an advanced industry.

On new technologies
Belarus can also offer a wide range of developments in the cluster of new technologies — including electric buses, software solutions for smart cities, drones, nanomaterials, and satellites.

On investment co-operation
Belarusian exporters are ready to jointly explore new markets within the framework of Oman’s national programme to attract foreign investment.
“Due to its location, Minsk also seeks to strengthen investment co-operation by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming an international trade, logistics and production hub. This is actually a great opportunity for Omani companies that are looking for areas to invest in non-resource industries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested.

On personnel training
The President noted that, in previous years, Belarus and Oman had effectively co-operated in the study of the Arabic language.
“The time has come to expand our capabilities, including through the training of managerial and working personnel for the Omani economy in engineering, medical and other specialties on the basis of Belarusian educational institutions,” the article reads.

On mutual trips and direct flights
Currently, the governments of the two countries are working to create the most comfortable conditions for travel, and there are plans to launch a direct flight between the two countries.
“We invite businessmen, students, and tourists to Belarus. We have something to show!” the Belarusian leader stated.

On responsibility of Belarusians
Aleksandr Lukashenko is confident that the partners from Oman, like everyone else, will appreciate the responsible approach of Belarusians. “We remain firmly committed to our agreements, even in the most difficult conditions. I am convinced that the positive dynamics of Belarusian-Omani relations will yield excellent fruits in the very near future, which our people will be able to take full advantage of and which will help build prosperity for our future generations,” the article reads.

Sohar Port and Freezone

Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the Sohar Port and Freezone. The Sohar Port was built in 2002 and is located southeast of the Strait of Hormuz, on the Gulf of Oman. It handles more than 1 million tonnes of sea cargo per week and about 3,500 vessels per year.
The Sohar Freezone was established in 2010 next to the port. The deep-water port and the adjacent free trade zone are located in the administrative centre of the Al Batinah North Governorate in Oman, halfway between the cities of Dubai (UAE) and Muscat (Oman). It occupies an area of 45 square kilometres. The Sohar Freezone is one of four special economic and free zones in Oman, alongside Salalah, Al Mazunah (on the border with Yemen), and the city of Al Duqm. 
“These facilities are the true jewels of Oman, the Al Batinah North Governorate and the new North-South route,” the Head of State noted. “Just as Duqm has taken Oman’s space programme to new heights, I am confident that the Sohar Port and Freezone will become a reliable starting point for Belarus-Oman co-operation”.

belta

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said exchanged gifts

Aleksandr Lukashenko presented the Sultan with a Slutsk sash and a Shpagin submachine gun.
The legendary Shpagin submachine gun played a role in the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders and, in general, in the approach of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The PPSh gun was the main weapon of the infantry; soldiers and partisans called it respectfully: Papasha [Daddy].
In turn, the Sultan presented the Belarusian leader with a traditional Omani Khanjar dagger. A curved dagger is a must-have item of the traditional costume of the Arabs of Oman, it is the country’s national symbol.
belta
belta

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by