Belarus and Kazakhstan can double the volume of mutual trade

May 14, Minsk /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. Belarus and Kazakhstan can double their mutual trade volume, and there are no major obstacles to this. This was stated today by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, summarizing the results of negotiations in Minsk with the head of the Kazakh state Nursultan Nazarbayev, BELTA correspondent reports. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the implementation of the "roadmap" for the development of trade and economic cooperation for 2012-2013 yields tangible results. This document includes about 60 joint events and projects in all areas of interaction. The states have already approached a trade turnover of $1 billion, but, according to the Belarusian leader, they should double it. "This is a drop in the ocean. We must double our trade turnover, especially since there are no major obstacles to this. And the prospects ahead are even better," said the head of the Belarusian state. Belarus counts on and has already received the support of the President of Kazakhstan to have a platform in that country from which it would be possible to work throughout Central Asia and even in China. "We will always gladly represent your interests in Europe. This will be your unique platform for working in the European Union and in the west of the Customs Union," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing the Kazakh side. The President of Belarus drew attention to the successfully implemented joint projects. Thus, over the past few years, 12 joint ventures have been created in Kazakhstan based on Belarusian industrial and scientific developments, with 4 of them in 2011. They specialize in the production of tractors, harvesters, quarry, automotive, special equipment, and agricultural machinery. Currently, 13 joint projects are in the active stage of implementation, 7 of which are included in the state programs of Kazakhstan. About 40 joint projects are being implemented within the framework of the scientific and technical cooperation program for 2012-2013 alone. Summarizing the results of the negotiations, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the parties have outlined ambitious plans for cooperation in agriculture, transport, and logistics. Among other things, the project for the creation of a transport corridor from China to the Atlantic coast was discussed. "Tomorrow we will discuss with the President of Russia to modernize, and where necessary, build roads together. We will be able to reduce the travel time of goods from Europe to Kazakhstan and vice versa by almost half," said the Belarusian leader. The Belarusian side invited Kazakh capital to participate in investing in Belarusian enterprises. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that Belarus is ready to provide priority support to the interests of investors from Kazakhstan. In addition, Belarus is ready to welcome Kazakh businesses that wish to participate in privatization processes. All reached agreements were reflected in a joint statement signed today by the leaders of the two countries, as well as in other documents concluded during the visit of the Kazakh delegation to Belarus. "I am convinced that the implementation of the agreements will contribute to strengthening our strategic partnership," emphasized the President of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko also addressed the Kazakh people, noting that they "should know, remember, and understand that here, on the western border of the Customs Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, there are reliable friends who are ready to represent your interests with high responsibility anywhere on the European continent." The heads of state agreed to meet annually at the highest level in the future to monitor the implementation of decisions. -0-