OREANDA-NEWS.  November 01, 2012. Belarus and Russia should make maximum use of the advantages of the Single Economic Space, including in the development of ties with regions, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said as he met with Governor of Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Krai Lev Kuznetsov.

“Recently the relations between our two fraternal states have been satisfactory. I would like to praise the high positive dynamics in the relations,” the head of state said.

According to the President, the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space open up new opportunities to promote economies, domestic and foreign trade, industrial cooperation, and improve the well-being of people.

“Belarusians and Russians have big hopes for the integration. There is no time for idleness when there is this tough competition everywhere, especially taking into account Russia’s accession to the WTO. We need to make maximum use of this advantage to remove all the existing barriers, first of all, in trade,” Alexander Lukashenko remarked.

The head of state stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation becomes stronger with new ties with the regions of brotherly Russia. “Krasnoyarsk Krai for us is a promising reliable partner, and not only in trade. Thousands of kilometers which separate Minsk and Krasnoyarsk cannot be an obstacle for strengthening our relations,” the President said.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the bilateral trade reached nearly USD 132 million in 2011. “Our trade and economic cooperation is acquiring a new quality. We are turning away simple barter operations towards joint projects, particularly in the area of industrial cooperation,” the President of Belarus said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that two assembly facilities of balers and forage harvesters are already in operation in Krasnoyarsk Krai. The project to set up an assembly facility to manufacture grain drying systems is in the works. BelAZ has opened its service center there.

“We need to set up joint manufactures to make goods which will be in demand not only in Krasnoyarsk Krai but also in third countries. It is time for us to expand into the markets of third countries, following the example of many states, and earn good revenue which can significantly enhance our cooperation,” the head of state said.

According to Alexander Lukashenko, it will be interesting for both parties to share experience in agriculture.

Belarus can also supply equipment necessary for Krasnoyarsk Krai with an aim at joint assembling and production, be it the manufacturing industry, agriculture or auto-industry. The same is true about the supplies and production of passenger transport. Keeping in mind the fact that Krasnoyarsk Krai is now busy upgrading its transport infrastructure, Belarus is ready to share its practices in the area and partake in the projects.

“Our builders have rich experience in construction of facilities you need. Moreover, we can supply you with necessary equipment and construction materials of high quality,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “It is a good economy, and we can also offer projects in energy saving and IT,” he added. “I am talking about two areas where Belarus is a leader in the post-Soviet space. So, if you are interested, you can get familiar with our latest achievements which can be used in Krasnoyarsk Krai. We have a lot of areas to cooperate,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus is ready to consider all the proposals the Krasnoyarsk Krai delegation has in order to intensify bilateral cooperation. “We want out trade and economic cooperation to help promote ties between the two nations. We should strengthen and preserve this unity,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Lev Kuznetsov, in turn, stressed that there is an interest to develop cooperation with Belarus in every area, from transport to high technologies: “We got the right from the Russian Federation to develop a nuclear space cluster as 90% of the world satellite programs are worked out, designed, constructed and then supported in Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai,” he said.

The Russian governor also said that Krasnoyrask Krai is interested in the Belarusian experience in healthcare, construction, town-planning policy, transport infrastructure. Krasnoyarsk has a chance to host the 2019 Winter Universiade: “Krasnoyarsk Krai has been honored to represent Russia in a bid campaign to host the games. If we win this opportunity, the Belarusian experience in construction and use of sports facilities will be very useful,” Lev Kuznetsov said.

Lev Kuznetsov also said about a big interest to develop cultural relations with Belarus. “Partnership with you is a big honor for us. There is a wide range areas for closer cooperation,” the Krasnoyarsk Krai governor is convinced.