Myasnikovich counts on trade growth, sci-tech projects with Indonesia

Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich expects an increase in mutual trade with Indonesia and the implementation of sci-tech projects. The relevant issues were discussed in a meeting with Speaker of the Regional Representative Council of the People’s Consultative Assembly of Indonesia Irman Gusman on 25 May, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus considers cooperation with Indonesia among its priorities. We are ready to discuss any cooperation issues of mutual interest,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said. Apart from developing political and parliamentary contacts, he emphasized other promising cooperation areas such as investment, sci-tech, trade and economic sectors. According to the Speaker of the Council of the Republic, Belarus hopes for mutual understanding in all the abovementioned issues.

According to the Speaker, the Belarusian state delegation led by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko paid a visit to Indonesia in March 2013. It was the first high level visit in the history of the bilateral relations. The visit promoted both political and economic contacts. In 2014 the trade between the two countries made up $215 million. In Q1 2015 the trade increased 1.8 times. “I think there is more to come,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

In his words, since 1 January 2015 Belarus has been functioning as part of the Eurasian Economic Union. Indonesia can use Belarus as a gateway to this huge market.

At present the legal framework of the bilateral relations between Belarus and Indonesia consists of 21 international agreements. Among them are agreements on diplomatic relations, economic and technical cooperation, visa-free trips for holders of diplomatic and service passports, ministerial consultations, sci-tech cooperation between the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Indonesian Institute of Sciences as well as other documents. Belarus’ main exports to Indonesia include potash fertilizers, tires and trucks.

Belarus and Indonesia have set up a joint commission on trade, economic, sci-tech cooperation. The fifth meeting of the commission will take place in Belarus on 22-23 June 2015. The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already received the confirmation of the visit of a delegation of Indonesian businessmen under the auspices of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.