List of Belarusian-Russian import substitution projects grows larger

The list of Belarusian-Russian projects in the sphere of import substitution has been expanded to about 20, Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Parkhomchik told BelTA after meeting with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to Piotr Parkhomchik, during the meeting with the head of state he discussed the investment policy, the investment climate, including Belarusian-Russian import substitution projects. “The so-called 14 projects. The number is close to 20,” the official specified.

Piotr Parkhomchik stressed it is necessary to finish all the work within the framework of these investment projects fast. But there are certain complications. A number of projects envisaged buying equipment of European make. “It is understandable that it is not available today. This is why we are looking for other ways to achieve the goal. We cannot tarry. It is necessary to find very fast solutions, take responsibility, and address these matters,” the deputy prime minister said.

BelTA quoted Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi as saying in early August that Belarusian-Russian joint projects were being discussed at the level of the two governments. The Russian side had vetted seven enterprises back then. “The president noted a financial scheme of cooperation has to be worked out promptly for this. It was discussed at the level of the leaders of the two countries,” Dmitry Krutoi told reporters on 1 August.

“Import substitution is a special area and it needs special oversight,” the new ambassador concluded.