Chelyabinsk Oblast and Belarus Boost Industrial Cooperation: Outcomes of the Business Forum in Minsk

The visit of Chelyabinsk Oblast Governor Alexey Teksler to the Republic of Belarus was marked by a business forum and intensive negotiations between enterprises of the two regions. The event, organized by the Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, demonstrated a high level of mutual interest and readiness for concrete steps.

Sergey Nabeshko, Director General of the Minsk Branch of the BelCCI, opening the forum, emphasized the activity of Belarusian companies: "Between 15 and 40 Belarusian company representatives signed up for talks with each Chelyabinsk enterprise. This is a vivid confirmation of the demand and readiness for cooperation today." The Russian side was represented by 11 leading enterprises of Chelyabinsk Oblast, the Belarusian side – by 88 companies, predominantly fr om the industrial sector.

In his speech, Governor Alexey Teksler clearly outlined the strategic direction: "Belarusian goods are successfully replacing products from unfriendly countries. Boosting industrial cooperation is our shared priority, directly aligned with the instructions of the heads of state. Sanctions pressure only stimulates us to work more actively and find new growth points." Special emphasis was placed on the potential of air travel: the Governor expressed confidence in increasing the number of direct flights on the Chelyabinsk-Minsk route as an important factor in developing ties.

Denis Bakey, Deputy Minister of Industry of Belarus, confirmed the shared view on prospects: "Chelyabinsk Oblast is our reliable and time-tested partner. Thanks to substantive dialogue, trade turnover is steadily growing, and interaction is dynamically developing."

The business dialogue covered key economic sectors:

·         Mechanical engineering (road, special-purpose, construction, agricultural machinery)

·         Metalworking and equipment (flanges, wheels, discs, mining equipment)

·         Industrial materials (lubricants and systems)

·         Precision equipment (measuring instruments)

·         Food (dairy industry) and chemical industry.

As part of the visit, the Chelyabinsk delegation visited CJSC "BelGee", wh ere agreements have already been reached on the supply of stabilizer struts – the first concrete outcome of cooperation efforts.

Cooperation will receive a new impetus in the near future: the Chelyabinsk delegation plans to return to Belarus to participate in the major international exhibition "INNOPROM. Belarus".