Yertysbayev: Belarusian social and economic model should encourage Kazakhstanis
In 2021, the trade turnover between Belarus and Kazakhstan reached a record high and exceeded $1 billion. Belarusian exports amounted to $912 million. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Belarus (2017-2019), Chairman of the People's Party of Kazakhstan Yermukhamet Yertysbayev explained such strong links by the fact that Belarus has a very well-developed production.
Yermukhamet Yertysbayev:
“The Belarusian socio-economic model is based on powerful production. I've traveled all over Belarus - there are enterprises everywhere and everyone is working. We have our own enterprises (for example, a tractor plant in Pavlodar), everything is bought from China or somewhere else. In Belarus, you have preserved everything. Belarusian social and economic model should encourage us.”
The parliamentarian also noted that Kazakhstan and Belarus have very good integration ties. As an example he cited AgromashHolding KZ and Gomselmash.
"We should create dozens, hundreds of joint ventures," said Yermukhamet Yertysbayev, drawing attention to the fact that Belarusians' most valuable asset is human capital (working hands, brains and engineers).
"I've been to the factories - MAZ, Gomselmash. Belarus is a very manufacturing country. I remember when I was leaving your country and saying goodbye to Alexander Lukashenko, he told me that he wants to expand cooperation between the two countries, so that the Belarusian model of economy and social structure in general (where there is no such a huge social gap in incomes) would inspire the Kazakhs."
Yermukhamet Yertysbayev:
"Belarusian society is more socially homogeneous. There is not such a strong distinction between poor and rich people. And in this aspect, we have something to learn from the Belarusians. I'm very glad that I've worked for two years in your country. I see nothing but positive."
Yermukhamet Yertysbayev is sure that the ties between Belarus and Kazakhstan will become even stronger. "We will bring the figures of mutual trade up not to $4 billion, but up to $40 billion, up to $50 billion by the middle of the century," concluded the parliamentarian.