MINSK, 29 November (BelTA) – Belarus plans to start large-scale commercial production of grapes and is interested in Moldova’s technologies, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rusy said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister-Economy Minister of Moldova Valeriu Lazar on 29 November, BelTA has learnt.
Vineyards have already been planted in some regions of Belarus. The project will be expanded to other regions. “We want to switch to commercial production of grapes and we need your assistance, because Moldova possesses modern grape varieties and advanced production technologies,” Mikhail Rusy said.
He reminded that the two countries are maintaining fruitful cooperation in viniculture. Wine made from Moldovan wine stock is rather popular in Belarus.
According to Mikhail Rusy, Belarus and Moldova have great capacities to expand cooperation across many sectors. Mechanical engineering is probably the most promising cooperation venue. Belarusian trolleybuses, buses, tractors, including garden tractors, have earned a good reputation in Moldova. Belarus also suggests joint projects to supply and promote goods to third countries.
In 2011 the trade between Belarus and Moldova made up $319.7 million, up by 28.3% in comparison with 2010. In January-September 2012 the bilateral trade totaled $250.9 million, up by 10.8% over the same period in 2011. In January-September Belarus’ exports to Moldova made up $192.7 million, up by 9.9% over the same months a year ago. Moldovan exports to Belarus increased by 13.9% to $58.2 million.
Belarus’ major exports to Moldova include oil products, tractors, trolleybuses, buses, trucks, road and construction equipment, ceramics, tobacco products, tires, fiberglass, light industry products, refrigerators. Belarus is a traditional consumer of Moldavian agricultural, winemaking and industrial products. Belarus purchases Moldavian fresh and canned fruit and vegetables, wines and cognacs, corn, sunflower oil, gypsum, other products.
The two states signed an agreement on economic and sci-tech cooperation in agribusiness. Belarus accounts for 10% of Moldova’s export and is the second largest consumer of Moldovan fruit and vegetables. In 2011 a quarter of Moldova’s wine exports was destined to Belarus. Our country supplies food staples to Moldova, including dairy products, fish, flour, malt, confectionary, sugar and salt.
A total of 17 companies with Belarusian investments operate in Moldova. Ten of them are joint ventures and seven are foreign companies.
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