Sergey, the time is now challenging. How is the cooperation and collaboration of the chambers of Commerce of Russia and Belarus?
Sergei Katyrin: Now we are interacting at the site of the Advisory Council of the chambers of the member States of the Eurasian economic Union. Here’s an example: in mid-April, a meeting of our Council in a videoconference, which was also attended by the heads of the CCI of Belarus and Russia.
the Russian side proposed to intensify the work of the Advisory Council to establish a Secretariat from among the representatives of all chambers of the States – members of the Union. We discussed the joint preparation of our proposals in the TPP package of measures to stimulate economic the Eurasian economic Union in conditions of the crisis, and, of course, the basis of this work on the requests of representatives of business circles. It was about the current opportunities, needs, problems of cooperation with partners within the EAEU; o barriers to trade and movement on the territory of the countries of the Union of medical and other goods increased demand resulting from the pandemic coronavirus. It is necessary today to contribute to the joint work of our countries.
How this may look in practice?
Sergei Katyrin: for Example, spending required for business events of any level with the use of digital technologies, ensuring the issuance of certificates of force majeure on the most favorable terms, organizing mutual business business. The conference agreed that the Advisory Council will operate in the format of a permanent coordinating body, to summarize the resulting from business information and forward the relevant proposals to the Eurasian economic Commission. The first package of such proposals has already been sent to the ECE.
In the framework of the Agreement on cooperation between our national chambers continues to work on the development of direct contacts between the companies and the territorial chambers, the cooperation in the field of arbitration, patenting, protection of industrial property. Developing cooperation at the interregional level. Signed and there are about 60 agreements between the territorial chambers of Russia and the Belarusian chamber of Commerce and industry.
let me Remind you that in 2019 the Commerce of the two countries spent more than 120 joint activities signed nine agreements between partner organizations of Russia and Belarus.
now does the Russian-Belarusian business Council of the CCI of Russia?
Sergei Katyrin: Yes, the activities of the national business councils in the Russian and Belarusian – continues today, adjusted for current conditions. Direct vstrive heard a mutual business mission at the moment, which is understandable, unlikely, but consultations are held, problems are discussed.
And communicating the businesses of the two countries, and what assistance was needed by the entrepreneurs in crisis?
Sergei Katyrin: Communication has largely moved online. To communicate today it is difficult by virtue of the fact that many contacts have simply collapsed, some companies have closed, others limited their activities. Many of those who have left all things and left the market. In fact, so long can not continue, I guess, a little communication will start to recover. Notice that many still continue to work.
You ask about what help is needed today to entrepreneurs in crisis? At the inter-state direction of first and foremost a search for contacts, advice, information support. It is now actively engaged, for example, our representative offices abroad. Need including financial support in entering the markets should take care of state institutions, and the chamber has to tell you where this assistance and in what form is most needed.
If you talk about supporting entrepreneurship and employees of the companies, the most important thing is to help the business stay afloat, keep workers from employment that affect the well-being of millions of families.
Can you name specific steps to support entrepreneurs?
Sergei Katyrin: Can only speak about the situation in Russia. The Russian government has developed several packages of support for entrepreneurship, this took into account most of the proposals of the RF CCI. The biggest assistance is provided to companies operating in the most affected industries is tourism, hotel and restaurant business, transport etc., but, of course, did not remain without attention and the rest. Limited or canceled checks, deferred tax payments. It turns out grant aid to companies could pay their workers wages on favorable terms, it is possible for this purpose to obtain the credit in banks. Unfortunately, some actions are late, some have such requirements that is hard to break through their fence. Working on this to tackle all these hindrances apart, problems to solve. Something has failed, something else not moved. But the question is that speed is important, because, as they say, drowned will not help, and left the market, the firm will not return.
Enough of the measures taken?
Sergei Katyrin: the Answer is clear: no! This is evidenced by the many, many appeals business in the CCI. We developed new measures of support of business, we are involved in this work, natural��NGOs. We should not forget that support, but it will boost the economy to the previous level, push it forward, and this without reliance on state aid is impossible.
What is happening to our trade turnover and what is the prognosis?
Sergei Katyrin: the predictions, with your permission, I will refrain. The epidemic is not over. From what position are we going to recover, is unclear. But one thing is sure: we will play economic losses, recover and continue our work together. I do not predict – that I am stating.
as for trade, I have no current data. Yeah, I know, he declined. But this happens everywhere and with everyone. In any case, Belarus continues to be one of the five major trade partners of Russia, and still holds the first place among the CIS countries in the trade turnover with our country. Turnover in 2019 amounted to more than $ 35.5 billion. Here I want to note that a significant share of payments in mutual trade is in our national currencies. So, with services more than three quarters of the payments were made before the crisis in Russian rubles. Of course, it helps to reduce the dependence of our economies on foreign currencies.
Autumn in Minsk and Minsk region should pass VII Forum of regions of Belarus and Russia. Does CCI their participation in the forum and how the forum is effective?
Sergei Katyrin: of Course, we will participate. I am convinced that the forum will be held. If the epidemic does not subside, then it will be a forum online. But I would like to believe that they will be able to meet and talk, that is, live with colleagues, friends, partners. This platform, no doubt, very effective. Suffice it to recall the previous forum. The contracts were awarded tens of billions of rubles. Our national chamber at the VI forum of regions of Belarus and Russia held 17 July 2019 extended meeting of the national business councils. We considered the issues of development and diversification of mutual trade, ensuring equal access to Russian and Belarusian commercial and industrial structures in the markets of the two countries, removing barriers and creating equal competitive environment… Recommendations of the meeting were sent to interested organizations of the two countries. In this meeting also were contracted by 8.5 billion rubles. To work together, as you can see, profitable. This is the case when they say that facts are stubborn things.
