Agrifood export diversification of Belarus in terms of free trade agreements between EAEU and third countries

Abstract

The modern development of foreign trade of agricultural products and foodstuffs in the Republic of Belarus is characterized by an intensive increase in export potential, which requires constant search and development of new promising sales markets. For Belarus, participation in regional trade and economic integration associations (free trade zone with participation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)) is considered as one of the directions for creating favorable conditions for exporters to access the markets of partner countries. Implementation of export potential of the member states of the integration association is the subject of negotiations during preparation of agreements and requires searching the balance of concessions between the parties concerned. Therefore, in terms of trade of highly sensitive to import agricultural and processing industry products, a reasoned justification is required for requesting potential partners to ease access regimes for a particular product, given the need to provide reciprocal concessions. In this regard, we have developed a technique for assessing possibilities of developing exports of agricultural products of Belarus when signing agreements on free trade zones between the Eurasian Economic Union and third countries, we also tested the presented technique by the example of such countries as Egypt, Iran, Israel, Indonesia and India as the most likely partners to conclude free trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the competitive environment at potential sales markets and an assessment of competitiveness of Belarusian export products, as well as study of measures of foreign trade policy (customs tariff and non-tariff barriers), the most appropriate export commodity groups were identified.