OREANDA-NEWS. July 29, 2013. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko deems it necessary to strengthen Belarus-Russia cooperation while selling potash fertilizers. The President made this statement at a meeting to discuss the sale of potash fertilizers.

“We seek to expand our presence on both traditional and new, promising markets of mineral fertilizers. It will be easier for us to promote our interests if we team up with Russians,” the head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko reminded that a working group that was set up in May is to present a report today on the work done. “Some issues have recently emerged; there has been lack of coordination and conflicting views. This was aggravated by the fact that we did not sell potash fertilizers on our own, but closely cooperated with Russians. Therefore, a decision was made to hire independent specialists to analyze the situation,” the head of state said. In his words, there are still divergent opinions and approaches to several matters. Therefore, the goal of this session is to pass a final decision and come up with a single stance that will be adopted by all government agencies dealing with potash fertilizers.

The head of state underlined that he would like the participants of the session to update him on the situation with production and sale of potash fertilizers and the financial standing of the industry. The President would like to know about development prospects of the industry. “New producers of potash fertilizers emerge in our country and abroad. They say they would like to cooperate with us and sell potash fertilizers jointly via Belarusian Potash Company,” the President said.

The President emphasized that Belarusian Potash Company was designed to raise the efficiency of Belaruskali and Uralkali. He believes that it was the right and timely decision to establish this company. Since it was set up, Belarusian Potash Company has earned a great reputation. All its partners around the world appreciate the quality of products it sells. “However, the recent yeas have seen dramatic changes in the production and sale of potash fertilizers and we need to decide how we should act in the future,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The head of state demanded that the participants of the session should present an objective analysis of the situation, because it will determine the efficiency of efforts to strengthen the international reputation of producers of mineral fertilizers.

The Belarusian part of the working group and other specialists informed the head of state about the work done by the group. Belarus and Russia signed a protocol which major provisions were presented to the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko ordered to get down to work immediately and implement Belarus-Russia agreements on boosting sales of potash fertilizers using the capacities of Belarusian Potash Company.

The sides reached an agreement that Belarusian Potash Company will be financed on the parity basis 50/50. Besides, Russia agreed to give more say to Belarusian specialists in the BPC management.

The head of state was also informed that the two countries came to terms on the major issues related to the operation of Belarusian Potash Company. All the necessary decisions will be made by 1 April 2014.