Фото: t.me/government_by
Belarus and Russia have reviewed the implementation of the Union State program for 2024–2026 and identified the main areas of work for the next three years. The issues were considered at a meeting of the Union State Council of Ministers in Minsk, the Belarusian government’s press service reported.
A total of 15 issues were considered. Key topics included industrial policy, technological sovereignty, food security, transport, energy, healthcare and tourism.
According to Belarusian Economy Minister Yury Chabatar, about 80% of the 120 measures included in the current three-year program have been completed. The remaining measures are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Import substitution was identified as one of the main priorities. Belarusian Prime Minister Aliaksandr Turchyn said that 24 joint import-substitution investment projects are currently being implemented.
“Belarusian MAZ and Russia’s Itelma Group have created an electric bus with almost complete localization within the Union State, using only Belarusian and Russian components. BelAZ and Norilsk Nickel are implementing a promising project to establish an enterprise for the production and overhaul of underground mining equipment. It is aimed at import substitution for load-haul-dump machines and underground dump trucks powered by both diesel fuel and alternative energy sources,” he said.
The sides also reviewed preliminary results of a pilot project for cross-border rail services between Belarus and Russia. According to Union State Secretary of State Sergei Glazyev, trains between the Vitsebsk and Smolensk regions are in demand, with passenger numbers exceeding forecasts.
“Therefore, we hope that this work will continue,” he said.
The Council of Ministers also approved a draft Union State Youth Policy Strategy.
“This is a document on the basis of which we will shape a common youth policy based on a shared system of traditional values in our Union State,” Glazyev said.
In addition, the agenda for the work of the Union State’s highest bodies for next year was determined. The meeting also adopted decisions aimed at improving the efficiency of the Union State Standing Committee and formally approved a candidate for chairman of the Committee on Standards and Quality. Its tasks will include preparing proposals for common standards and protecting the internal market from products that do not meet technical requirements.
The Belarusian economy minister also said that the next three-year program will place greater emphasis on protecting the common market and developing the platform economy and services sector. He described improving living standards and household incomes as a key objective.