Фото: пресс-служба Лукашенко
Aliaksandr Lukashenka met today with Kaluga Region Governor Vladislav Shapsha. While discussing plans to increase trade turnover with the Russian region to $1 billion, he also took the opportunity to share what he described as a longstanding grievance. This time, Lukashenka criticized those who oppose efforts to create model enterprises, districts and other showcase facilities.
According to Lukashenka, he is often criticized for establishing so-called “model farms” intended to serve as examples for others.
“I am being criticized here: Lukashenka is creating ‘model farms’ in Belarus, just like in Soviet times. But why shouldn’t we create examples of what we want Belarus to be? So if these ‘model farms’ are useful to you… The truth is that those criticizing me are the ones who fled the country. Just as the Russian authorities are criticized by similar fugitives. But that is their business. Let them criticize us, while we focus on practical work,” he said.
During the meeting, Lukashenka proposed cooperation in construction, agriculture, machinery supplies and other areas.
“We want you to know that there is a country close and dear to you that can turn all of this into reality. This is not only about brotherly feelings but also about a significant economy. In short, we are always ready to exchange experience. Thank God, we speak the same language and have no plans to communicate in any other languages. We will continue to share experience and move forward together, including by solving the difficult challenges that arise in the course of our lives,” he said.
According to official figures, trade between Belarus and the Kaluga Region reached $705 million last year. In the first five months of this year, bilateral trade totaled $311.4 million, up 17.4% from the same period a year earlier. Belarus mainly imported animal feed products, ethylene and propylene polymers, fish fillets, aluminum wire and other goods from the Kaluga Region.