Lukashenko holds meeting to discuss mechanical engineering in Belarus

"At this meeting I would like to discuss with you the work of certain industrial enterprises and the mechanical engineering sector as a whole. I know that everyone is trying hard. Everyone understands that the election is a test for us. Not only for the incumbent president but also for the entire power system. Let's be frank: there are enterprises that may face problems any day. We must anticipate them," the head of state said.

On cooperation with Russia and soon meeting with Putin

“However, speaking of the production of our cars and so on, we have agreed with Russia to synchronize our relations. I would ask you to adhere strictly to our agreements with the Russian Federation. We should realize that Russia is also going through difficult times," the head of state said. “We have also an agreement on the recycling fee. We will review the progress and examine if there any problems between us and the Russian Federation? This is very relevant in connection with upcoming meeting with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. If some issues require our involvement, we will discuss them”.

On interaction with Moscow and agreements with Sobyanin

Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned that just before this meeting, he met with Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and also discussed the production of passenger cars with him: "They are doing well. Sobyanin did a great job. He started producing our Soviet car brands: Moskvich, GAZ and others. These are completely different cars, it is clear. They have made very significant headway here. They are very interested in us. Not only in terms of manufacturing vehicle components, but in other areas as well."

“This is why we have good agreements with Moscow. Trade  with the Russian capital, as I have already mentioned, will reach $7 billion this year or maybe even more,” the head of state added.

On sales markets, foreign visits 

Aleksandr Lukashenko urged to build up Belarus’ presence in the traditional markets. “I've said this for the umpteenth time: next year will not be easy. Due to certain reasons. We need to expand our presence in our traditional markets, where we have been working successfully,” the Belarusian leader said.

The matter is about developing cooperation with the countries on the so-called far arc. In this regard, the head of state mentioned his recent visits to Oman and the UAE.

“The recent visits to Oman, the United Arab Emirates, soon to China are about diversifying our markets. We call them ‘the far arc’. This is what it’s about,” the head of state noted. “We don't show everything today, because some bastards abroad, especially the self-exiled Belarusian opposition, are begging the Americans, the West for more sanctions against us. That's why, of course, we don't show and tell everything”.

The head of state also touched upon the car production. We have big plans, but we need to find markets for Belarus-made passenger cars, he said. "Today I would like to discuss with you the car production. We have started manufacturing passenger vehicles. We aim high. But we need to understand how much we will produce next year and have market for them," the Belarusian leader said.