A meeting of the working group on cooperation between the Murmansk Region and the Republic of Belarus was held in Murmansk. The parties discussed the current state of trade and economic ties, prospects for collaboration in industry and tourism, and the development of inter-municipal contacts. Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region Svetlana Panfilova and First Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Alexander Komendant attended the event.
As the Vice Governor noted, the region"s foreign trade turnover with the Republic of Belarus is demonstrating steady growth. The supply of machinery and equipment for the needs of the Murmansk Region remains the core of economic cooperation. Key partners include major Belarusian manufacturers such as BELAZ, MAZ, and the Amkodor holding company, whose products are widely in demand by the mining industry, utilities, and the transportation sector. A key milestone in cooperation has been the transition from direct supplies to the creation of a service infrastructure: a specialized Technical Support Center successfully operates in Apatity, providing maintenance for the quarry equipment fleet.
To ensure the industry has a qualified workforce, the parties are also developing educational programs. During the visit of the Belarusian delegation to the Murmansk Region, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Apatity Polytechnic College and the official representative of a Belarusian equipment manufacturer. The document provides for the joint training of specialists who will be able to professionally operate and maintain modern equipment.
"The growth in trade turnover is supported by real projects. We are not only updating the equipment fleet necessary for the development of industry and municipal services, but also creating conditions for its high-quality maintenance, including the training of professional personnel at our educational institutions. At the same time, active work continues to strengthen ties in the tourism sector," Svetlana Panfilova commented on the meeting.
The working group members also noted that by the end of 2024, tourist flow from the Republic of Belarus had increased by 35%, facilitated by the availability of direct flights between Murmansk and Minsk. Currently, tourists from Belarus are among the leading foreign visitors to the region.
In turn, Alexander Komendant confirmed the Belarusian side"s interest in further upgrading Murmansk"s public transport fleet, noting that MAZ vehicles are already successfully operating on city routes. The First Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee also proposed expanding social interaction by making high-quality spa treatment programs in Belarus accessible to residents of the Arctic.
"We"re ready to sell what"s in demand among mining companies in the Murmansk region. The first vehicle we saw was a low-floor MAZ, and we"re also seeing our trolleybuses in Murmansk. We certainly intend to discuss further vehicle upgrades to meet the needs of northerners," said Alexander Komendant, noting that it was his first visit to the regional capital, the heart of the Arctic, and a true winter experience.
/ Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region /
