MINSK, 16 March (BelTA) – Belarus hopes to increase the deliveries of equipment to Russia's Stavropol Krai and to set up new joint ventures, Belarus Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said during a meeting with Stavropol Krai Governor Vladimir Vladimirov on 16 March, BelTA has learned.

“Not long ago, our trade stood at $250 million. Last year, it fell to approximately $100 million. We believe that we will be able to restore the trade to the previous levels soon,” said Andrei Kobyakov.

First of all, Belarus hopes to increase the deliveries of a wide range of equipment to Stavropol Krai, and is ready to provide high-quality maintenance service. “We are ready to supply a range of Belarus-made mechanical engineering products for large infrastructure projects in Stavropol Krai. The lineup includes utility, passenger, freight, road-building and other types of machinery,” the prime minister said. The deliveries are possible on leasing terms.

To strengthen the cooperation, plans have been made to launch joint projects to be implemented by MAZ, Avtokomponenty holding company and Stavropol Krai enterprises.

As for the agricultural industry, Belarus is ready to take part in the projects to build and upgrade stock breeding farms. Belarus can offer turnkey dairy farming design and construction projects to Stavropol Krai.

Andrei Kobyakov said that cooperation in the construction sector looks promising. “We have vast experience in housing design and construction. We have a strong footing on the Russian market, mainly in Kaluga Oblast, Bryansk Oblast and Smolensk Oblast,” the prime minister said.

Belarus is ready to intensify cooperation in light industry. “We are interested in your rawhide and wool materials. In return, we are ready to supply light industry products for Stavropol Krai resorts,” the Belarusian head of government said.

For his part, Vladimir Vladimirov noted that Stavropol Krai is interested in developing specific projects with Belarus. “All doors are open for cooperation. We have already reached preliminary agreements with MAZ,” he added.

Andrei Kobyakov and Vladimir Vladimirov signed an agreement on cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology, and culture between the governments of Belarus and Stavropol Krai.