Lukashenko on import substitution with Russia: I won't say we've resolved all issues, but we've made progress

Belarus and Russia have made progress in import substitution, although not all issues have been resolved yet. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"We have moved forward with import substitution. I won't say we've solved all the issues, but we have made progress," said the head of state.

As one example, Alexander Lukashenko mentioned progress in the microelectronics industry: "We were worried, you and I, that we were indeed very dependent on imports somewhere. In a week's time, I have a meeting precisely on the topic we discussed in Sochi. We have preserved the microelectronics industry – what was part of the Soviet Union, as you said. We have reached an agreement with the Russians – with those companies that also remained from the Soviet Union. And today, specialists say: 'Don't worry, convey to Vladimir Vladimirovich that we will do everything necessary.' Well, the dimensions will be slightly larger, but in the near future... We know where to go and what to do. That's the most important thing. People understand."

Cooperation has also been established between enterprises that previously considered each other competitors. This includes MAZ and KAMAZ, in particular. "We always had, remember, KAMAZ, MAZ – there was some kind of red tape. But now there is no competition at all. We produce goods for KAMAZ – components, and KAMAZ produces for us. When certain companies (Western ones. – BELTA’s note) left, this is how they work. And there is enough market," the President stated.

At the same time, there is still work to be done. Certain problematic aspects exist in cooperation matters. "There are minor issues. I will also mention this. It's in cooperation, as you said," noted the Belarusian leader.

However, there are also clear achievements and progress. For example, in aircraft manufacturing. Currently, Belarusian aviation plants are producing up to a thousand components for Russian MS-21 and Superjet 100 aircraft. Belarus is also ready, with minor technical support from the Russian side, to commence production of the well-proven military attack aircraft.

"We are deepening our efforts, doing everything we can to overcome the barriers that are being artificially created for us," emphasized the Belarusian leader.