Customs Union to keep permit system for truckers in 2013

"I think that in 2013 the system of permits for transportation from and to third countries will not be scrapped. You have to be realistic about the situation," he said. Explaining the main reasons the head of the Transport and Communications Ministry said that Belarusian trucking companies, which offer international cargo transportation services, are rather competitive. "Our partners say that they are below our level and want to protect their market by keeping the system of permits," said Anatoly Sivak.

The official admitted that trilateral negotiations progressed rather complicatedly. "It is difficult to promise any deadlines because each side primarily caters to its own interests based on contacts with third countries," he said. While the Belarusian side draws attention to the removal of permits for truckers, the Russians insist on lifting all the restrictions for transportation by air. It is roughly the way the dialogue progresses these days, said the Minister, Kazinform has learnt from BelTA.

He reminded that the year 2015 is the deadline earmarked by the adopted documents of the Customs Union and the one, in particular, concerning the creation of a free market of services. "The Belarusian side would like to get it done earlier and we hope for it," said the Minister.

Yet according to Anatoly Sivak, understanding has been reached at the bilateral level. "Belarus and Russia have lifted permit restrictions in the bilateral transportation. In H1 2013 or in Q3 at the latest we will sign the document to scrap the system of permits for cargo transportation between Belarus and Kazakhstan," he said.