Mogilev Oblast trading house to open in Kazakhstan

07:54, 23 July 2013

MOGILEV. July 23. KAZINFORM The establishment of a trading house to represent Mogilev Oblast products in Kazakhstan will foster the development of business ties and increase the trade turnover between the two countries. The opinion was voiced by Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Belarus Chermen Shokanov at the meeting with Mogilev Oblast Governor Piotr Rudnik. The former went on a fact-finding tour to Mogilev Oblast on 22 July.

"Belarusian products represent quality merchandise for Kazakhs," underlined Chermen Shokanov. Trade statistics confirms it. In January-May 2013 trade between Mogilev Oblast and Kazakhstan rose by 77.3% from the same period of last year to $50.4 million. Mogilev Oblast economic operators exported $49.6 million worth of commodities to Kazakhstan, with import slightly over $0.8 million.

Tires made by OAO Belshina accounted for 55% of the exports. Machines to harvest agricultural products accounted for about 10%, with the share of lifts and lift equipment at 5.4%. Products by OAO Mogotex, Bobruisk Machine Building Plant, Osipovichi Dairy Factory, and other manufacturers were exported to Kazakhstan. The dairy company Babushkina Krynka operates a trading house in Kazakhstan's capital Almaty. Belarus imports lead oxide (46% of the imports) from Kazakhstan as well as animal origin products and slate, kazinform refers to BelTA.

"We should not miss out on opportunities for increasing the flow of merchandise in both directions," stressed Chermen Shokanov. "A trading house to represent Mogilev Oblast manufacturers will allow the Belarusian side to increase sale areas, sale volumes, and reduce the number of mediators". The Honorary Consul promised to work on the matter of creating the Belarusian trading house in Kazakhstan and to submit proposals regarding the project's implementation within two weeks.

Speaking about prospects of advancing trade and economic relations between our countries, the guest said he hopes for increased shipments of Kazakh hard wheat to Belarus in the future as well as hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets. In turn, the Mogilev Oblast Governor expressed an interest in importing fish and sea products.

"Not only merchandise but Belarusian education services are also recognized as a quality product," stated Chermen Shokanov. "This is why the number of Kazakh students, who get educated in Belarus, rises every year". He remarked that Kazakhstan is experiencing a shortage of modern workforce. The existing system of vocational training turned out to be not completely up to the task. Therefore, Kazakhstan believes that cooperation with Belarusian education institutions in this area is particularly topical.

Kazakhstan and Belarus Economy