Belarus-Russia integration robust in 2008, Alexander Surikov says

The Year of 2008 was marked by increased integration between Belarus and Russia. The mutual trade totaled $34.2 billion, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Belarus Alexander Surikov told reporters on February 6, BelTA informs.

According to the Ambassador, efficient economic development of the two countries is one of the major parameters attesting to the development of integration. “Trade between Belarus and Russia reached $34.2 billion in 2008, up more than two times over 2006 and 2007,” Alexander Surikov said.

In his words, regions have greatly contributed to the development of the economic relations between Belarus and Russia. Belarus is often visited by delegations of the Russian Federation. Moscow increased trade up to $6 billion, St Petersburg — to $1 billion.

According to the diplomat, the Sberbank of Russia and Rosselkhozbank are completing the work to enter the Belarusian market.

Alexander Surikov praised the production cooperation between Belarusian and Russian companies. In particular, the Svetlogorsk oblast has set up an assembling plant for BelAZ vehicles. The assembling of Belarusian tractors in Yelabuga and Mordovia will reach 20,000 per year in the offing.