Kazakh-Belarusian trade turnover grew by 23% - Belarus Ambassador Brylev
The diplomat noted that Belarus considered Kazakhstan as the priority strategic partner in Central Asia. "We closely cooperate almost in all international organizations and integration unions as EurAsEC and Customs Union. Establishment of the CU and Single Economic Space demonstrates the new stage of Kazakh-Belarusian trade and economic relations," Brylev noted.
"In place of the direct exchange of goods comes deep industrial cooperation and joint scientific and technological activities. Namely this mutually beneficial approach makes a real contribution to the technological and financial stability of our economies, promotes innovative development of industry and creation of new jobs, meets the priorities of regional development, allows to fill the domestic market of the Customs Union with own products and creates the prospect of approaching the market of third countries," the Ambassador emphasized.
Over the past three years 11 joint ventures on assembly of Belarusian equipment were launched in Kazakhstan.
The volume of bilateral trade increased fourfold from USD 215 million in 2005 to USD 870 million in 2010.
Products of Belarusian enterprises are well known in the Kazakh market. Engineering products and petrochemicals, dairy products, household appliances, furniture, medicines and building materials enjoy high demand in Kazakhstan. This was proved by the recently held National Exhibition of Belarus in the Republic of Kazakhstan "BelarusEXPO-2011" in Almaty, on September 7-10. Production and scientific developments of more than 200 Belarusian companies of automotive, food and light industries, petrochemicals, pharmacy, woodworking, construction, and agriculture were presented there.
The visitors could get acquainted with the Belarusian achievements in communications, transport and logistics, science and technology, tourism, health and education. One of the important outcomes of the exhibition was the adoption of the regulations on the Business Council for cooperation between Commerce and Industry Chambers of Belarus and Kazakhstan. The first meeting is scheduled for early October 2011.
"We consider the expansion of direct contacts between entrepreneurs of both the regional and individual levels as a priority for strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at promoting the expansion of contacts, diversification of business interaction, development of mutual trade and investment activities of the two countries," Brylev stressed.