Russian Railways (RZD) intends to invest 156 billion rubles (1,5 billion euros) to enable Belarusian exports via the Baltic Sea. EU countries blocked the transit of Belarusian goods through its territories, and now Russia is coming to the aid of its steadfast ally. Additionally, Belarus will gain rail access to a brand new port in Russia far north.
Belarus’ assistance to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine has not earned the country any favours with its Western neighbours. It prompted Latvia and Lithuania to block the transit of Belarusian goods, leaving the country reliant on Russia as an export route.
In order to develop adequate export infrastructure for Belarus, Russia is now coming to the aid of its ally. It will invest 156 billion rubles (1,5 billion euros) in rail infrastructure, as well as build a new port for Belarusian exports.
Bronka port
Russian Railways plans to develop rail infrastructure between Belarus and the Russian port of Bronka in the Baltic Sea. The multibillion ruble investment is supposed to facilitate the export of 20 million tonnes of Belarusian goods via the St. Petersburg region. However, RZD does not specify where the money for these investments will come from.
Belarus has set its sights at the Bronka port for its exports for a while. Last year, a complete transfer of the port to Belarus was being discussed, which was later watered down to the acquisition of a number of shares.
Now, it seems that building adequate infrastructure will be the first tangible step to making Bronka accessible for Belarusian exporters. Belarus also announced reconstruction works on its own rail infrastructure in the direction of St. Petersburg to facilitate transportation towards the Baltic Sea earlier this year.
Belarusian hunt for ports
The Belarusian quest for access to Russian ports extends beyond the Bronka port. Earlier, it was reported that Belarus was considering building its own port in the St. Petersburg region.
Additionally, Belarus was said to take an interest in building or leasing a port in Russia’s far north Murmansk region, bordering the Arctic Ocean. It looks like Belarus will see its wishes fulfilled, as it started preparations for the construction of a multimodal port in the region together with Russia. Similarly to the Bronka port, it will be used for Belarusian exports and use INSTC (rail) infrastructure to link up with Belarus.
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