Belarus and Russia have prospects for implementing new joint projects, Russian Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina said as she met with Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky in Minsk on January 28. The meeting took place ahead of the joint session of the Economy Ministry of Belarus and the Economic Development Ministry of Russia. According to the Russian Minister, the joint session is a good way for cooperation. It helps exchange information on the recent changes in the economy and other areas and gives an opportunity to coordinate mutual steps in the global financial crisis. It is very important for the two countries, Elvira Nabiullina said. In her words, the Economy Ministries of Belarus and Russia are staying in a regular contact, “we coordinate our positions and keep up with the recent economic changes”. The joint session of the two ministries is set to consider forecast scenarios for the economic development in Belarus and Russia. “In view of the global financial crisis we have to finalize our forecast, elaborate additional anti-recessionary measures,” Elvira Nabiullina said. Today it is also important to improve the plan of joint actions of the two economies. “There are issues we are totally agreed upon. Some issues are left for discussion. I hope we will coordinate everything and submit the final plan of joint actions for consideration of the Union State session that is due on January 30,” Elvira Nabiullina added. “I hope this plan will become a basis for the further development of the trade and economic relations between Russia and Belarus,” the Russian Minister said. She also praised the level of the bilateral trade – almost $35 billion. “We should try to preserve this tendency,” Elvira Nabiullina stressed. Besides today it is of high importance to develop new investment projects. Despite the global economic recession, the two countries are possible to implement their joint projects, Elvira Nabiullina believes. Belarus-Russia competitive ability can boost the bilateral trade turnover. “It also greatly depends on our joint actions,” she said. According to her, problems facing Russia and Belarus are similar. The plan of joint actions, therefore, should be clear and well-coordinated. Elvira Nabiullina has agreed with the Belarusian Prime Minister that in the present-day economic conditions it is quite important “to continue providing jobs, securing household incomes”.

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