Belarus and Russia’s Kaluga Oblast have the potential to achieve $1 billion in mutual trade, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a meeting with Kaluga Oblast Governor Vladislav Shapsha in Minsk on 27 July, BelTA has learned.
“Fortunately, relations between us are developing quite well. But at one time we planned to achive $1 billion in trade. We are not reaching that level. We need to look for new directions,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “The region has enormous potential. One billion, I think, is a reasonable figure for Belarus and Kaluga Oblast. We will aim for that.”
Speaking about Belarus’ capabilities, the president outlined areas that could help raise trade between Belarus and Kaluga Oblast to $1 billion. “I believe it is not only, and not primarily, ordinary trade, although that is also very important for us. We have already learned how to work in your region and are ready to build social facilities. And you are creating quite a lot of them in the region. We are ready to build and deliver these facilities on a turnkey basis so that the ‘face of Belarus’ can be clearly seen,” he assured.
He stressed the possibility of establishing and developing cooperative ties between Belarus and Kaluga Oblast: “I know that there are projects being implemented with MAZ, BelAZ… While we are carrying them out there, we are ready to cooperate with you in this area and are eager to supply you with any machinery.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also pointed to agriculture as another area of cooperation. Despite the fact that the agricultural sector is fairly well developed in Kaluga Oblast, the Belarusian side is prepared, if necessary, to share its expertise. “Experience with dairy complexes, agro-towns, and generally building the structure of agricultural production and rural life. We are similar, our climate is roughly the same,” the president emphasized. “Therefore, we are keen to create certain turnkey complexes on large areas of farmland and to show you the model we are building in Belarus.”
At the same time, he added, one often hears criticism regarding the creation of so-called “beacon” farms. These are advanced farms that serve as a kind of model to emulate. The idea is that other agricultural enterprises will adopt their practices.
“I am criticized: ‘Lukashenko is creating ‘beacons’ in Belarus, like in Soviet times.’ But why not create what you want to see in Belarus? So if these ‘beacons’ are useful to you… In fact, I am criticized by those who fled the country. Just as the Russian authorities are criticized by similar fugitives. But that’s their business. Let them criticize. And we need to focus on concrete work,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
The head of state also highlighted agricultural machinery as an area of cooperation: “We cannot do without machinery. Both you and we lack labor resources equally. Therefore, agriculture must be mechanized. We are working on this and can share our experience with you.”
“We want you to know that there is a country close and familiar to you that can bring all this to life. It is not only about brotherly feelings but also about a large economy,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “In short, we are always glad to exchange experience. Thank God we speak the same language and do not plan to communicate in any other languages. We will share experience and move forward somehow, including solving the difficult tasks that arise in the course of our lives.”
The head of state also noted that Minsk is not a foreign city for the governor of Kaluga Oblast: during the Great Patriotic War, Vladislav Shapsha’s relatives fought here. “The efforts you make to protect historical memory and the truth about the Great Patriotic War are connected to your inner feelings and experiences. Your grandfather fought during the Great Patriotic War, defending our great Motherland. So consider that you have come to your own land,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Last year, Belarus-Kaluga Oblast mutual trade amounted to $705 million. In January-May 2026, trade between Belarus and Kaluga Oblast reached $311.4 million, which was 17.4% more year-on-year. Belarusian exports mainly consisted of petroleum products, furniture and furniture parts, metal structures made of ferrous metals, seeds, resins and polyurethanes, and other goods.
