Export of Belarusian building materials decreased twofold

Ministry for Architecture and Construction of the Republic of Belarus believes that the decrease in export of building materials and services is connected with Russial ruble devaluation.

In first six months the export of building materials and services fell due to the devaluation of the Russian ruble, BelaPAN reports, referring to Aliaksandr Kruchanau, first Deputy Minister for Architecture and Construction.

According to him, the exports made up $141.7 millions - it is 50% less than of the same period last year.

"The Russian market had a great impact on our export. The logistics allows us to deliver products within 600-700 km. In other cases, it is a loss-making business. In other words, Russia is the key market, Kruchanau explains.

For the past six months export of services made up $82.3 mln (17% less).

"The fall of exchange rate, definitely, affected these indicators", the first Deputy Ministry said.

But he stated that further work for export increase was being conducted.

Belarusian constructors plan to participate in building-up of objects for the FIFA World Cup-2018 in Kaliningrad region.

"There is an opportunity for deliveries of our production: cement, glass, gravel and so on", Kruchanau said.

He also informed about negotiations with the Deputy Administration of Pskov region on the construction of the Belarusian Quarter and the establishment of Trade and Logistics Center for the sale of Belarusian construction materials in the region, as well as in neighbouring areas.

"It will present the entire building complex of Belarus, and both legal entities and natural persons will be able to see the Belarusian production and order it. Our task is to deliver in time", the official said.

According to him, soon Minister Anatol Chorny visits Pskov, Kaluga and Smolensk regions on the matter of the conclusion of agreements and export promotion of Belarusian building materials and services.

"Much work is being done. Directors of the company should be more aggressive in foreign markets, promote their products", Kruchanau says.