President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has proposed that the Samara Region of Russia establish joint ventures, both by leveraging existing competencies and exploring new areas. He made this statement at a meeting with the Governor of the Samara Region, Vyacheslav Fedorishev, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"We will always be ready to facilitate the implementation of our agreements. If we agree on something, we will definitely fulfill the agreements," the Belarusian leader assured. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the central task is to increase non-resource exports, enhance industrial cooperation, and produce a Union product.
"We are ready to create joint ventures together, primarily in the Samara Region, because it is industrially very powerful, with promising enterprises (in this Russian region. - BELTA's note). We would like to cooperate with them. Of course, as a result of this cooperation, we would gain new competencies, and you would gain good, intelligent people in Belarus who could cooperate and create a joint product," the President stated. "I think we need to focus on this primarily today, without forgetting, of course, about traditional areas of cooperation, such as supplying our equipment to the Samara Region – the kind you need – passenger, cargo, utility, road construction, quarrying, agricultural, fire-fighting, and other types."
The Head of State noted that Belarus produces all the goods necessary for life, both in industry and agriculture. "I think this will always be in demand in the Samara Region, even though it is capable of producing all of this itself," the President said.
He paid special attention to the machine tool industry, which is in demand in aviation manufacturing, among other sectors, and this area is well-developed in the Samara Region. In turn, Belarus has been developing machine tool manufacturing since Soviet times, and it was a Belarusian brand, alongside several other industries. "Machine tool manufacturing is a very powerful area for the development of our industry. We have preserved all competencies and enterprises. You can join us in this. We will achieve a good effect. Therefore, we are ready to work in machine tool manufacturing," the Head of State proposed.
Another proposal voiced by Alexander Lukashenko is the production of components for passenger cars: "You have a whole cluster there. We have enterprises that produce components. We can cooperate together. In the end, we can divide this huge Belarusian-Russian market, and also supply abroad together. We don't need to compete where it's not necessary to compete."
The President also proposed supplying Belarusian elevator equipment, which is in demand in many countries around the world, and especially in the post-Soviet space, to this Russian region.
"I spoke about creating joint ventures. The Samara region is very suitable for us. Because of its highest development. We also strive to obtain more innovative products. In this regard, there is something to think about," said Alexander Lukashenko.
He also assured that Belarus is ready to supply not only industrial goods but also agricultural products to the Samara region, and to develop cooperation in the agro-industrial complex as a whole: "Russia will always need food products, they are needed today as well. Therefore, let's work together, produce the necessary products and sell them in our joint markets."
"If you see anything interesting in Belarus, we are at your service. We are always ready to work and cooperate with you. We are ready to do for you everything that we can and even what we cannot, but will be able to do in the future," the Belarusian leader concluded.
Recently, the trade turnover between Belarus and the Samara region reached its maximum level in 2023 – over $3.2 billion. For comparison, in 2020-2021, it was about $700 million. According to the results of 2024, the parties traded for $2.8 billion, and in January-May 2025 – for almost $1 billion.
The supply of equipment is carried out mainly through the dealer network of Belarusian enterprises. In general, Belarus has a sufficiently developed sales network in the region. For example, the branded trade of the "Bellegprom" concern is represented by 8 stores, and the furniture of the "Pinskdrev" company is also sold through 8 stores. In addition, more than a dozen and a half stores operate in the Samara region under the "Belarusian Products" brand.