The expert called the cooperation between Russia and Belarus a unique format
Olga Lazorkina, analyst of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research, said that regional cooperation between Belarus and Russia is a unique format of interaction.
"Cooperation between the regions of Russia and Belarus is in many aspects a unique format. First of all, because it is personally supervised by the heads of states. This ensures the dynamics of development and the depth of detail study," the expert said.
Mutual interest
She drew attention to the fact that last year it was possible to see how much the interest of both countries in this format had grown, since almost every month Russian governors visited Belarus and were received by the Head of the Belarusian state.
"Our countries are focused on many areas, and not on chaotic movement to solve current problems, but on allocating priority areas with a clear distribution of functions for secondary ones," Lazorkina stressed.
According to her, the data on trade turnover between the countries prove that their economies have become mutually complementary. "Mutual trade between Belarus and Russia in 2023 amounted to about 53 billion dollars. Moreover, over 80% of payments are made in national currencies. Work is underway on the integration of mutual infrastructure – financial, payment, exchange," the analyst continued.
She stressed that despite the pronounced economic asymmetry, Belarus has something to offer Russia. In addition to a considerable industrial base, a scientific school and human resources, understanding the common goals of the movement is extremely important, Lazorkina noted.
She stated that "unfortunately, there is a thesis in the information space of Belarus and Russia that expediting integration within the Union State happened under the pressure of external circumstances." "However, it is impossible to make a breakthrough without a legal, political and economic base. The adoption of the decree on the main directions to implement the provisions of the Treaty on establishing the Union State in 2021 could take place only with a large-scale coordination of the positions of both sides, readiness to move on and the availability of a basic integration portfolio," the interlocutor said.
She also noted that the process of import substitution within the Union State, which began with solving tactical tasks, has now reached the level of strategy. "The mega–goal of achieving technological sovereignty is firmly established in the mindsets of decision makers and is reflected in projects and roadmaps. In addition to the creation of production facilities, new competencies of enterprises are being actively formed, opportunities are being created to highlight the specialization of Belarus, and human resources are being improved," Lazorkina said. "Joint investment is developing extensively," she added.
The Forum of the Regions
The expert recalled that on June 27-28, the Vitebsk region of Belarus will host the Forum of the Regions of the two countries, which will give a new impetus to the development of cooperation between Belarus and Russia. "This year, the Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held under the sign of innovation. Its main difference from the previous ones will be that today there is a clear demand for new efficiency. Therefore, it is so important to formulate and coordinate its criteria in time, determine the role of each of the participants, identify weak areas and, possibly, develop further coordination programs," the expert stressed.
According to her, "the existing integration framework enables to act effectively in the current conditions, but it is obvious that the dynamics in the global economy and politics will not allow consistent movement." "Today is the time not only for innovations, scientific breakthroughs, but also for efficiency in their implementation. In addition, it is important to understand that achieving any mega-goal requires serious investments in human capital, therefore, in the formation of a new quality of trust on the part of the citizens of Belarus and Russia," the analyst added.
Within the framework of the Forum of the Regions, the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research is organizing an expert platform "Regional cooperation. The Formula for Success", the participants of which will discuss possible ways of regional development and points of growth in the implementation of regional policy, analyze the potential and reserves of interaction at the regional level and develop their proposals. They will analyze the key trends of regional cooperation, including in the context of business development, small towns, rural areas, as well as opportunities for youth.