OREANDA-NEWS. A Singapore-based company has taken an interest in purchasing a minority stake in Belarus’ OJSC Belaruskali (Soligorsk, Minsk Region), Belarusian Firest Vice Premier Vladimir Semashko told reporters in Singapore.

Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko made it clear for potential bidders that the market value of Belaruskali is at least USD 30 billion. Lukashenko also made a reservation that only a minority stake would be offered for sale. Russia’s Uralkali used to take an interest in purchasing the asset.

“A Singaporean company shows an interest in purchasing a minority stake in Belaruskali, and so do a great number of other international companies, as the potash fertilizer business yields super profits, and Belaruskali is one of the most powerful enterprises,” Semashko said as quoted by Belta.

Semashko accentuated the principle point that Belarus is only ready to sell a minority shareholding. “There is no talking about a majority stake, as the business must always be in the hands of the Belarusian government. In other words, it is our golden business,” the vice premier said.

“At the same time, if anyone admits that the market value of Belaruskali is at least USD 32-35 billion, we are ready to negotiate the purchase of a minority stake,” Semashko said.