OREANDA-NEWS. November 13, 2010. Venezuela is interested in expanding cooperation with Belarus in agribusiness and mechanical engineering, and considers taking part in privatization of Belarusian industrial manufacturers, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said during his negotiations with Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, the press service of the Belarusian president said.

Factories to assemble trucks and tractors in Venezuela are expected to start working within 12 months, the press service said. A plant to manufacture construction materials is being built in Venezuela. Belarus is also ready to increase supplies of farm produce to Venezuela and create a modern agricultural complex there.

Furthermore, Venezuela’s taking part in Belarusian privatization processes may become a new phase of bilateral cooperation, the press service said.

As was reported earlier, Venezuela considers acquiring stakes in MAZ and BelAZ, in which all shares are now controlled by the Belarusian state.

Hugo Chavez also mentioned the possibility of building factories in Venezuela to produce clothing and footwear, as well as furniture in association with Belarusian makers.