Russian industry minister outlines key areas of cooperation with Belarus

Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov spoke about the key areas of cooperation between Belarus and Russia on the air of the Belarus One TV channel, BelTA has learned.

Speaking at the INNOPROM. Belarus expo, Anton Alikhanov noted that new support instruments are now available, administered by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “Eight projects have already received support, been approved, and are being funded. Each of these eight projects involves at least three member states, which is the minimum requirement for industrial cooperation projects. There is a massive amount of work under the national technological leadership projects approved by the Russian president in 2024, with Belarusian companies actively participating in their implementation. This includes microelectronics and radio electronics. Perhaps a major achievement is the joint development of a 350-nanometer lithography machine with a Belarusian plant. This year, we expect to complete a similar project for a 130-nanometer machine. The governments of both Belarus and Russia have set a goal to jointly launch a 90-nanometer lithography project next year. But, of course, our work will not stop there. We still face many complex challenges ahead in electronic engineering. This is a critical infrastructure task because, in essence, true industrial sovereignty is impossible without owning the means of production for critical tech like electronic components,” the minister said.

Speaking about cooperation, he noted that the plant producing BELGEE cars serves as a great example. “There is an agreement between our leaders, and this year, more than 60,000 Belarusian cars will enter the Russian market. Despite this competition, we still find common ground, for instance, in auto components. It is crucial that the technologies we develop together drive our leadership in foreign markets – this is, after all, the true measure of a product’s demand, proving that you are a genuine leader in the global industrial tech race,” Anton Alikhanov emphasized.

The minister also explained why it is important that the INNOPROM. Belarus expo has adopted a touring format. ”In 2023, our leaders signed a decree on a joint industrial policy for our two countries. In essence, INNOPROM has become an integral part of this unified policy. While the format was born in Yekaterinburg many years ago, these touring editions are becoming increasingly popular. We plan to continue this tradition with an INNOPROM event in Uzbekistan. It offers a great opportunity to share experience and agree on new joint initiatives,” Anton Alikhanov said.