Belarus Expands Cooperation with the Russian Regions

Author(s): Sergei Sarychev
Editor(s): Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 4
Pages: 10-12
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2006

Russia's cooperation with Belarus has transitioned from a period of romantic expectations for a united government to one of pragmatic business deals. While efforts to promote integration have stagnated, Belarus has been actively developing trade ties with the Russian regions. The ties are lopsided since Russia sends investment and goods to Belarus, while Belarus only sends goods to Russia. Currently, the two sides have no alternative to the existing relations, though the situation could change with Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization if Russia seeks to make its industry more competitive internationally. As Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko told Altai Krai Governor Aleksandr Karlin on 8 June 2006, Belarus's cooperation with the Russian regions saved the union of the two countries. Thus, while bilateral relations are making little progress in terms of integration, trade relations between the countries are expanding rapidly.

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