Minsk expects in 2016 to gather the leaders of the former Yugoslav republics, said November 20 Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting with the president of Serbia. The reason for such a meeting could be the complex Minsk World, in which the Balkan region is investing huge money.
The heads of state laid a commemorative capsule in the foundation of the future center. Next President Nikolic visited Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ).
The experimental multifunctional complex Minsk World can be a window for European businesses on the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union. And a bridge for Belarusian businessmen in the EU. In terms of investment, Minsk World can only be compared to the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park “Great Stone” and the Ostrovets nuclear power plant.
Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus President:
We need to get it all ready in 10 years. For this we need more builders and more money. The only thing we need is money and builders. We have lots of builders and your part is money.
Foreign investment in the project will amount to approximately $2.7 billion. Businessmen have set an ambitious goal — to create in Minsk an international financial and economic center akin to those in Singapore, Dubai and London.
Dragomir Karic, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Belarus in Belgrade, the chairman of the friendship group “Serbia-Belarus” in the Serbian Parliament:
This center will change the picture of the Republic of Belarus and beyond. In general, the picture of the region's environment. A maximum of 10 years… But the results will be seen already after two years. We have a schedule, strict deadlines. I will personally oversee it but I will be controlled by the government and the president, and also God. I am responsible for the project before God too.
Dragomir Karic:
Do not worry, we have huge money. Those who have money face a problem of profitable investing. The Republic of Belarus is one of the countries where you can come to invest, work and earn.
Minsk World is also 2 million m2 of modern housing. Minsk's streets Aerodromnaya, Kizhevatova and Brilevskaya will soon be unrecognizable.
At the construction site, the presidents talked informally. They agreed that next year they will bring together in Minsk leaders of the former Yugoslav republics.
Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus President:
It would be very symbolic if in 2016 we could bring together here the leaders of the republics of the former Yugoslavia. There will be an important occasion for their visits: the construction of the symbolic center Minsk World. And I very much hope that you can help us invite them here, in Minsk.
Tomislav Nikolic, the president of the Republic of Serbia:
Yes, I have already given instructions to Mr. Karic, he visited the presidents of Croatia, Slovenia, FYR Macedonia and Montenegro. And thus we will have the entire former Yugoslavia here. This will help our people live better. And this is your great merit.
The future task in Belarus-Serbia economic relations is a trade turnover of $500 milllion, up $250 million from today's level of trade. However, it is equally important to build real relationships between the industrial enterprises of Belarus and Serbia.
Belarusian agricultural equipment is known well in Serbia. In 2011, the Balkan state bought more than thousand machines. Today, every third tractor in the fields of Serbia is Belarus-made. The city of Novi Sad runs its own MTZ assembly line. Seven years ago, there opened a joint venture too.
Vladimir Makarenko, acting Director General of MTZ:
The company delivers our tractors both within Serbia and also to the entire territory of the former Yugoslavia. It is also affiliated with companies in North Africa. There are some good prospects. Now we are considering delivery to Italy and France. And perhaps (we are working on it) even in the US market.
Tomislav Nikolic, the president of the Republic of Serbia:
MTZ tractors have been working in Serbia for half a century. And MAZ trucks were at the construction site where I worked 40 years ago. I did not know how much you advanced in the production of combines. I'll tell you a Serbian anecdote. A peasant has had the tractor Belarus for 50 years. Reporters asked him: “Have you changed anything in it over this time?” He answers: “Yes, I have. I have changed the tractor driver.”
In 2016, MTZ plans to supply to Serbia 350 pieces of agricultural machinery. However, Belarus and Serbia are linked not only by economy.
During World War II Yugoslavia was occupied by Nazi Germany, as well as Belarus. The guerrilla movement there was second in numbers after that in the Soviet Union. Therefore, President Nikolic visited the Museum of the Great Patriotic and expressed great interest in the exhibits.
At the Victory Square in Minsk, the President of Serbia laid a wreath at the monument in memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Source: ctv.by