Trade between Belarus and Russia’s Leningrad Region could reach $1bn by late 2024

The Leningrad Region is among Belarus’ top trading partners among all Russian regions – as stated by Ambassador of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi during his meeting with Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko

The Ambassador noted that last year, according to Belarusian statistical data, the partners fell slightly short of $1bn in bilateral trade.

“The trade turnover during Q1 2024 grew by 10 percent [compared to the same period of last year]. If we maintain this pace, we’ll be able to reach $1bn of trade [by late 2024] – for the first time. We’re observing a doubling [of trade turnover] in almost three years – an absolutely amazing result,” the diplomat noted.

Mr. Krutoi underlined that recently the co-operation agenda between Belarus and the Leningrad Region has significantly expanded, including across the ‘non-standard areas’.

“Last year was the most active for us in terms of contacts. We thank you for your visits, the visits of vice-governors and department heads. This personal contact enables us to promote our new topics. I think we’re succeeding,” said the Belarusian Ambassador to Russia. “The number of entities engaged in dealer relations with our manufacturers is growing in the Leningrad Region, thus accelerating the supply of products from both sides. At the same time, we do not have a large imbalance, i.e., bilateral trade is developing in a fairly balanced manner.”

In the future, the parties will hold a meeting of the joint commission on co-operation on the territory of Belarus. As part of the trip to our country, the Leningrad Region delegation will also take part in the Forum of Regions, visiting Vitebsk and Minsk. The diplomat added that a good agenda is being formed for the visit to the Belarusian region.