An expert identified possible areas of cooperation between Belarus and Southeast Asian countries.

Irina Novikova, February 4, Minsk . Irina Novikova, Head of the Department of Management, Business Technologies, and Sustainable Development at the Belarusian State Technological University, Professor, and Doctor of Economics, discussed potential areas of cooperation between Belarus and Southeast Asian countries at a House of Representatives seminar entitled "Belarus and Southeast Asia in Search of New Prospects for Cooperation" in the Oval Hall of the Government House, BELTA reports.


The expert noted that agriculture is a key economic sector in this region . Therefore, Southeast Asian countries are in dire need of fertilizers.

According to Irina Novikova, an investment boom is being observed in the electronics and renewable energy sectors. "This is due to their large populations, a very large proportion of young people, and a growing middle class, which create a huge domestic market for consumer goods and financial services," she explained.
Southeast Asian countries are in need of tractors. Small farms there require 50-horsepower tractors. Heavy-duty trucks are also needed due to infrastructure modernization. 

Rapid urbanization and the growth of cities, particularly Hanoi, Jakarta, and Manila, require the development of public transportation. Therefore, the region needs buses and minibuses. Furthermore, there is a need to modernize existing transportation. 
The expert noted that governments in many countries in the region are implementing programs to improve urban mobility and reduce dependence on private vehicles. 
Furthermore, there is a need for food products. Indonesia and the Philippines, for example, require large quantities of powdered milk, cheese, and butter. Speaking about cheeses, the expert noted that people enjoy products with lilac, violet, and other flavors, which should be taken into account. 

"They need grains and feed for poultry and livestock, meat and meat products, and are interested in prepared foods and snacks," Irina Novikova continued. "The halal industry is developing. We have experience supplying halal products to Arab countries, so we need to consider what we can add." 
The expert noted the high and ever-growing demand for chemical products, including specialty chemicals for industrial use and electronics. The textile industry is developing, leading to a demand for dyes and auxiliary substances for the light industry.
Photo by Vitaly Pivovarchik