Belarus and Myanmar planning joint projects for oil and non-ferrous metals
MINSK. April 9 (Interfax) - Belarus and Myanmar are working up a decision on creating joint projects in the oil and gas sector, Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich said on Monday while meeting with Myanmar's Energy Minister Than Htay in Minsk.
"Joint projects are always in the government's field of view. This is a multifaceted project and it includes the energy sphere," Myasnikovich was quoted by Belarusian state media sources as saying.
Myasnikovich also said that these discussions also cover the reconstruction and repair of gas pipelines, the design and construction of electricity transmission lines, and production development of subsoil fields.
"Work is now underway based on the proposals from Myanmar for gold, copper and tin fields," he said.
Myasnikovich said that state-run Belorusneft would act as the partner in these projects since it has much experience in providing services overseas (in Venezuela, Algeria, Iraq, India, Russia and Cuba).
He added that Belorusneft has its own technologies for boosting oil outflow at layers in fields, which have been under development for a long time. "This issue, the development of already extracted fields, is very real for our country," the Prime Minsiter told Than Htay.
Myasnikovich also said that that he sees a lot of potential in partnership in agricultural and agricultural machinery.
He confirmed Belarus' readiness to build several machinery enterprises in Myanmar, primarily for the assembly of tractors and other equipment.
Myasnikovich said that Belarus is ready to meet its end, and on time, for those joint projects discussed during an official visit to Myanmar in December 2011. He added that investment projects to be implemented by both countries are within the framework of the Common Economic Space. "The guiding principle includes our integrated union of three countries in negotiations for the creation of a free trade zone with ASEAN countries, which include Myanmar among its members," he said.
He also said that Belarus has already received preliminary approval for the visit of Myanmar President Thein Sein in 2012.
Than Htay said during the meeting with Myasnikovich that "several proposals were sounded, including those for partnership, including the organization of oil equipment assembly in Myanmar."
Belarusian media outlets reported that Than Htay and a delegation of Myanmar's oil and gas industry would be visiting Belarus in April 8-12. The delegation will visit the Fidmash Plant, a filling station in the Gomel Region, and Belorusneft's production facilities.
It was earlier reported that Myasnikovich visited Myanmar at the start of December 2011. Agreements were reached during his visit for partnership in industry, energy, and subsoil production.
Delegations from Belenergo, Belarus' Ministries of Natural Resources and Industry, and OJSC Belgokhimprom visited Myanmar in February-March 2012. Several initiatives for cooperation were decided following the visits.
According to the Belarusian government, trade turnover between Belarus and Myanmar in 2011 reached $27.3 million, including $26.6 million in Belarusian exports (an increase of 1100% from 2010) and imports - $800,000 (up 20 times). The main Belarusian export to Myanmar is specialized equipment. In addition, Belarus started exporting potash to the country in 2011.
