Russian-Belarusian trade turnover was $7.36bn in 9M2002

The volume of bilateral trade between Russia and Belarus was $7.36bn in January-September 2002, an increase of 3.2 percent from the figure reported in the same period of 2001, Belarusian ambassador to Russia Vladimir Grigoryev said in Moscow. The Belarusian official pointed out the Agreement on the Establishment of the Union State of Belarus and Russia was a guideline for the two countries' further steps on the path to integration. Grigoryev stressed economy would serve as a basis for the countries' integration. According to the ambassador, the creation of equal conditions for Russian and Belarusian enterprises will give rise to competition and a market environment that will allow for the more effective use of available resources.