India interested in acquiring stake in Belaruskali
MINSK. Aug 4 (Interfax) - India is interested in acquiring shares in fertilizer producer OJSC Belaruskali, India's Ambassador to Belarus, Manoj Kumar Bharati, told journalists in Minsk on Thursday.
"We've already signaled through government channels that India is interested in purchasing shares in Belaruskali if they are offered," the diplomat said
"We are eagerly waiting for the decision from the Belarusian government and Belaruskali," he said.
Belaruskali is one of the three biggest suppliers of potash fertilizers to the world market. The company's share of world potash production comes to around 15% and in terms of exports - over 16%.
Belaruskali was transformed from a unitary enterprise into an open joint stock company with a 100% government stake last year. The company's charter capital makes would make it the biggest privatization in the history of Belarus.
The company was included in the Belarusian privatization plan in July 2010. Prior to this, Belaruskali's potash production capacity was removed from the roster of exclusive state property.
Belaruskali has been valued at up to $20 billion. The sale of company shares might help Minsk's efforts to stabilize the Belarusian economy. However, the Belarusian government, including President Alexander Lukashenko, said that a fair price for the company would be $30 billion.