Kazakhstan interested in closer ties with Mogilev Oblast

Almaty Region is the biggest trading partner of Mogilev Oblast in Kazakhstan. It accounts for 36.5% ($36.8 million) of the bilateral trade. The Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee signed cooperation agreements with Eastern Kazakhstan Region (2009) and Southern Kazakhstan Region (2003). These regions cooperate with Bobruiskagromash and Bobruisk Plant of Tractor Parts and Units. Cooperation with Southern Kazakhstan Region needs a fresh impetus. Ergali Bulegenov promised Piotr Rudnik to send a delegation of this region to Mogilev Oblast to update the agreements reached earlier.

In January-September 2013, the trade between Mogilev Oblast and Kazakhstan amounted to $100.8 million, with Belarus' export standing at $99.1 million. Kazakhstan imports products manufactured by Belshina, Mogotex, Bobruisk Mechanical Engineering Plant, Strommashina, Osipovichi Dairy Factory, Bykhovmoloko, Legpromrazvitie, Jokey Plastik, Babushkina Krynka and others. Belarus' exports to Kazakhstan are dominated by tires (50%), food products (13%), and harvesters (10%). "Kazakhstan is happy with the quality of Belarusian goods; the cooperation is built on understanding and trust. Considering the existing export-import ratio we need to study prospects for Kazakhstani manufacturers in Mogilev Oblast," Ergali Bulegenov said, BelTA reports.

Piotr Rudnik suggested developing a list of small and big Kazakhstani companies willing to cooperate with Mogilev Oblast. "This will be a kind of interregional roadmap in addition to the 2014-2016 joint action plan to implement the economic cooperation program signed by the two heads of state," the Mogilev Oblast Governor said. He suggested considering a possibility to invest into the establishment of a cargo hub at the Mogilev airport. "This project will help boost the bilateral trade," Piotr Rudnik said.

The Kazakhstani Ambassador is on a two-day visit to Mogilev Oblast. On 25 November the diplomat will visit Babushkina Krynka and take part in a solemn opening ceremony of the Days of Kazakhstani Cinema in Mogilev. On 26 November the Ambassador will tour Mogilevliftmash and Mogotex.