AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit Watch: BRICS leaders in New Delhi adopted the “New Delhi Declaration,” warning about “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, and flagging “growing risks” of nuclear danger and conflict; India also pushed an open session on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with tech and payments on the agenda. Currency & Trade: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS to expand national-currency use and defend sovereignty, while India’s foreign ministry said there’s no plan for a single BRICS currency—local-currency settlement is framed as a practical way to cut transaction costs. Agri & Food Security: BRICS agreed to set up AGRIN (agro-inputs, genetic resources and farm information) and continue work on a BRICS grain trading platform, aiming to tackle food price volatility and supply shocks. Belarus in the Wider Region: A German investigation into a failed Leipzig/Halle drone attack reportedly links logistics to Russia’s GRU, naming a Belarusian suspect among the accused. Local Consumer Rights: Belarus lawyer Darya Khatkevich says some cafes charging “entry fees” or table-booking charges can violate rules on public agreements and consumer rights.

Belarus-India Diplomacy: Belarus FM Maxim Ryzhenkov met India’s Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reviewing cooperation across politics, trade, consular and humanitarian ties, plus a 2026–2030 roadmap and steps toward an EAEU–India free trade deal. Belarus-Azerbaijan Agri Industry: Belarus and Azerbaijan plan to start in 2027 the joint construction of an agricultural town in Karabakh, with agro-industrial complexes, and a 2027 joint venture in Aghdam to produce elevators with Belarusian firm Vertus. Minsk Transport & Construction: Minsk plans three overpasses over the railway to cut street congestion and improve access between microdistricts, alongside additional bridge links and a heavy-vehicle reroute via MKAD-2. Security & Logistics Risk: German reporting on the failed Leipzig/Halle drone attack names a Belarusian suspect and a GRU-linked Russian, underscoring how cross-border logistics and industrial hubs remain targets. BRICS Industrial Angle: At BRICS, leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration stressing resilience, innovation and sustainability, while also calling for protection of civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: India kicked off the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, with the agenda framed around food and energy resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability amid the US-Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Belarus in the mix: Belarus Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov arrived for the meeting, with India highlighting growing Belarus ties and the country’s role as a major food exporter. Local-currency and payments push: BRICS Business Forum remarks from Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian urged a more resilient trade network and wider use of national currencies to reduce exposure to political shocks. India-UAE industrial deal: On the sidelines, Modi and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed backed expanded cooperation and flagged a $11.5bn integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha aimed at building a manufacturing hub. Security and sanctions angle: Ukraine’s military intelligence showcased foreign-made components found in Russian weapons, including items tied to Belarus.

BRICS Business & Finance: At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian pushed for more local-currency trade and urged the New Development Bank to finance infrastructure in national currencies, while India’s Piyush Goyal called for linking payment systems (UPI-style) and easing digital trade rules. EAEU-India Trade Links: The Eurasian Economic Union said it sees room to grow trade with India and improve transport corridor connectivity across Asia-Pacific routes. Belarus Economic Policy: Lukashenka reiterated there will be no mass privatization, warning investors must pay meaningful amounts and that troubled farms need machinery and support before ownership changes. Belarus Consumer Prices: Belarus saw notable swings in August food prices—carrots and potatoes fell about 37%, while avocados rose ~17%—with motor oil up ~13% and air travel up ~6%. Belavia Tourism Connectivity: A Belarus–Maldives connectivity webinar previewed direct flights planned for December 2026, aiming to boost Belarusian travel trade. CIS Economic Council: CIS members met in Ashgabat and approved programmes focused on transport security and practical economic cooperation, with Belarus represented by Deputy PM Natalia Petkevich. Industry & Tech Dispute: A Pinsk court case found an Apple laptop became unusable after OS updates because it required mandatory device registration tied to access-protection mechanisms. Construction/Real Estate: Minsk-region developers unveiled plans for the Smala multifunctional complex in Smolevichi, with shops, services and a food court in a colorful low-rise design.

Belarus Tech & Industry Education: Lukashenka signed a decree creating the Academy of Intellectual Technologies, with training starting Sept. 1, 2027, aimed at natural sciences plus industrial and digital specialities, using a republican competition for admission and industry-linked teaching. China–Belarus Engineering Link: The China-Belarus Institute of Outstanding Engineers opened its inaugural academic year at BNTU in Minsk, designed to connect education, science and industry with joint talent training in fields including AI. BRICS Summit Logistics (Global, with Belarus as a partner): India’s BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13) is set to push food and energy resilience and critical supply chains, with Delhi deploying 15,000 police and 200 paramilitary units; Belarus is listed among BRICS partner countries attending. Belarus–Russia Industrial Cooperation: Belarusian maker Amkodor has dropped a planned agricultural machinery plant in Russia’s Gatchina and instead plans a service center for repairs of Belarusian equipment. Workforce & Safety Shock: A Minsk Polytechnic College student, interning at MZKT, died by suicide; authorities say circumstances are still unclear. Regional Industry Disruption: Reports of a fire at Russia’s Saratov Oil Refinery and drone-related damage in Volgograd highlight ongoing risks to industrial infrastructure.

Belarus–Russia Industrial Links: Belarusian machinery maker Amkodor has dropped plans to build an agricultural equipment factory in Russia’s Gatchina, switching instead to a service center for repairs of Belarusian equipment and buses. Skills Pipeline: Belarus has officially created the Academy of Intellectual Technologies, set to start training from Sept. 1, 2027, with entry via a republican competition and a focus on natural sciences, industrial and digital technologies. Infrastructure & Transport: Minsk is moving toward major road works: an overpass near the Minsk–Gomel highway is slated for reconstruction with a full traffic shutdown; construction is expected to begin in 2028. Energy & Food Supply Context: Global grain prices are rising as attacks disrupt Black Sea export routes for Russia and Ukraine, tightening supply for the Middle East and Africa. Regional Trade Policy: Latvia’s Saeima backed extending sanctions against Russia and Belarus, widening bans from agricultural goods and animal feed to food products. BRICS Business Angle: India and Russia are fast-tracking a new bilateral investment treaty and pushing industrial cooperation targets, including $100bn trade by 2030.

Belarus–China Trade & Industry: The “Exhibition of Chinese Goods and Services (Belarus) 2026” opened in Minsk, running Wed–Fri with 10,000 sq m and 120+ firms showcasing autos and components, precision machine tools, new energy tech and medical devices, framed by Belarus’s “Year of China–Belarus Industrial Cooperation.” EAEU Industrial Cooperation: Kazakhstan approved new EAEU-linked projects expected to bring tax revenue, including a paint and coatings plant in Russia’s Moscow region involving Belarusian supplier Orion-VK, plus a gypsum plant mixing-line upgrade that Belarusian Remeza is set to support. BRICS Summit Watch (Belarus angle): India’s BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13) is set to bring together major members and partner states, with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko listed among expected attendees; the agenda centers on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Belarus Research Contract: A Russian Pasteur Institute tender covers population studies in Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, including IT support and logistics for collecting and transporting biological samples, with Belarus fieldwork scheduled for Nov 16–Dec 15, 2026. Belarus–Ukraine Supply Chain Risk: Ukraine has named a Belarusian suspect over alleged shipping of Ukrainian optical glass to Russia via Poland, underlining ongoing cross-border industrial supply pressure. Construction & Housing: Minsk’s “Kazakhstan Quarter” is moving forward with construction of two high-rise residential buildings for the waiting list, plus a multi-level parking garage.

Fertilizer Supply: Belarus-linked procurement is in focus as the government approved imports of 110,000 tonnes of fertilizers (30,000 tonnes of Muriate of Potash from Belarus, plus DAP and urea from other suppliers) to keep farm inputs flowing. Construction & Housing: Minsk is set to start a new “Kazakhstan Quarter” residential project, with two skyscraper-style buildings planned first, about 680 apartments total, and a multi-level parking garage—targeting people on the waiting list. Business & Consumer Protection: A Minsk furniture company director was detained over a “pyramid scheme”-style fraud after clients paid in advance for kitchen sets but never received orders; damage is reported at over 1 million rubles. Energy/Industry Logistics: Global wheat trade remains tightly linked to Black Sea shipping disruptions, with Latvia proposing a 300% transit tariff on Russian and Belarusian grain—raising new risks for regional logistics chains. Regional Diplomacy for Industry: Belarus President Lukashenka is among leaders expected at the expanded BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13), where resilience themes include food, energy, health, disaster reduction, and critical supply chains. Security Near Industry: A man with a modified pneumatic rifle was detained near a kindergarten in Belaazyorsk; authorities say the weapon exceeded registration thresholds and was confiscated for examination.

Belarus-Russia industrial ties: Alexander Lukashenka met Russian businessman Vladimir Potanin in Minsk, pitching closer cooperation on equipment and new projects in Krasnoyarsk Krai; the talks also point to a BELAZ–Nornickel joint venture to build next-gen underground mining machinery with unmanned tech, AI and more economical engines. Agribusiness production: The Antopal cotton-spinning factory in Drogichyn has started making insulated winter blankets for calves using Belarus-made materials, with insulation thickness tuned to temperatures and waterproof outer fabric to protect newborns from hypothermia. Baltic grain pressure: Estonia says Russian grain transit via Baltic ports is “not acceptable” and is coordinating with Latvia and Lithuania on measures to block rerouting after Black Sea disruptions. Security and hybrid risk: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia plans final tests of an 800-km ballistic missile by year-end and is trying to pull Belarus into war and hybrid operations, though Kyiv sees no clear signs of strike-group preparations on Belarusian territory. Trade corridors and industry impact: Latvia’s stevedoring lobby warns that any rushed Saeima decision to suspend Russian/Belarusian grain imports and transit could trigger claims worth hundreds of millions of euros against port operators. EU policy backdrop: Lithuania outlined priorities for its upcoming EU Council Presidency—security, defense, EU enlargement and tougher sanctions on Russia and Belarus—signaling continued pressure on trade flows.

Belarus-Russia Mining Deal: Lukashenka met Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin in Minsk, with both sides pushing joint projects on new mining equipment and even unmanned tech; the same week, BELAZ and Nornickel signed a venture aimed at replacing imported mining machinery. Belarus Industry & Trade Logistics: Belarusian Economy Minister Yury Chabatar discussed supplies of Belarusian machinery and faster rail deliveries with Yakutia (Sakha), including possible BELAZ purchases and a diamond cluster concept. Agriculture Processing: A cotton-spinning factory in Drogichyn started producing insulated winter blankets for calves using Belarus-made materials, with insulation thickness tuned to temperatures. Finance & Consumer Costs: Belarusbank’s “1% loan” housing scheme is linked to higher new-build apartment prices, while car spare parts rose sharply after price regulation was lifted. Cross-border Friction: Lithuania ordered checks on all transit grain from Russia and Belarus to block shipments from occupied Ukrainian territories. Regional Security Pressure: Latvia banned imports of Russian and Belarusian printed materials (and more) over disinformation and war-propaganda concerns. Tech/Compliance Risk: Lithuania expelled 22 Belarusian IT specialists tied to an EUSPA satellite-navigation project after allegations of concealed links to Russian/Belarus military industries. Energy Shock in the Region: Ukraine’s drone campaign is again highlighted as hitting Russian refining and fuel stability, with spillover effects felt across occupied areas.

Mining & Machinery: Nornickel and BELAZ signed an agreement in Zhodino to create a joint venture for underground mining equipment, including R&D for next-generation machinery, trials at Norilsk mines, and a full-service repair and maintenance hub. Logistics & Food Security: Latvia is weighing a tariff of up to 300% on grain from Russia and Belarus, while the Liepāja SEZ warns that any transit ban could cut Port of Liepāja cargo turnover by about 40%, hitting jobs and raising global grain and food prices. Cross-border Tech & Space: Lithuania expelled 22 Belarusians tied to an EU space-program project after fraud allegations involving nearly €500,000 and concealed links to Russian/Belarus military industries. Diplomacy & Trade: India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept 12–13 in New Delhi, with the chairship theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” and leaders including Putin and Xi expected to attend. Consumer Rules: A Minsk lawyer says stores must keep customers’ access for the full stated operating time, with only short warnings allowed before closing.

Baltic Trade Pressure: Latvia plans a 300% tariff on grain shipments from Russia and Belarus, aiming to cut off a key alternative route as Black Sea and Azov routes stay disrupted by drone strikes. Border Tech Crackdown: Lithuania intercepted a drone smuggling 1,000 cigarettes from Belarus and launched administrative proceedings; separately, it expelled 22 Belarusian tech workers tied to an EU space-navigation project after finding nearly €500,000 in fraud and concealed links to Russian/Belarus military industry. Food & Logistics Controls: Lithuania will check the origin of all transit grain from Russia and Belarus (both feed and food) to prevent use of its infrastructure for stolen Ukrainian grain. Belarus-Linked Security Escalation: Ukraine’s HUR says Russia deployed “Oreshnik” missile units in Belarus, while also warning about Belarus hosting drone guidance relay infrastructure. Industry & Consumer Rules: Belarusian lawyer guidance says stores must keep customer access for the full official opening time, only allowing warnings shortly before closing. Agriculture Calendar: Minsk agricultural fairs run Sept 19–Dec 6 across multiple venues. Business Crime: Minsk police detained a cosmetics-industry manager’s former colleague over alleged extortion of 1 million rubles for keeping company information secret.

Lithuania Security Crackdown: Lithuania’s State Security Department says 22 Belarusians tied to the tech firm NTLAB were expelled and banned from Schengen for five years after being deemed a national security threat; the case links alleged EU subsidy fraud (about €500,000) to concealed ties with Russian and Belarusian military industry. Belarus Anti-Corruption in Construction: Belarus Interior Ministry opened cases against five officials over a road construction procurement scheme in Mahiliou, Homiel, Brest and Minsk regions, alleging bribes tied to spare parts tenders and “on-time” supplier payments. Food Industry Insight: Belarusian researchers explain why ultra-pasteurized baby milk doesn’t sour after opening—without lactic acid bacteria, proteins and fats break down into bitter compounds; they also stress aseptic packaging and contamination after opening. Minsk Urban Planning: Minsk officials outline plans to keep building housing, including the Zialiony Bor district, and to gradually clear courtyards of cars by shifting them to guarded parking lots while tightening enforcement. Energy/Infrastructure Safety: A Belarusian man was hospitalized after an electric scooter battery exploded during charging in Minsk district’s Hatava. Belarus Diplomacy: Belarus’ ambassador to Iraq, Anatoli Glaz, met Iraqi officials on restoring economic cooperation, logistics, Belarusian pharma supplies, and industrial projects, including electricity modernization support.

Minsk Housing Push: Minsk plans to keep building, including the new Zialiony Bor district outside the ring road, targeting over 4 million sq.m of housing for people in need, social-sector workers and large families, plus rental units. Urban Mobility & Safety: Authorities also want to clear courtyards of cars by shifting parking to lots and guarded areas, while expanding paid parking in the center. Minsk Metro Timeline: Minsk’s metro construction is “on schedule,” with stage two of the third line due by 2028 and the ring line starting in 2027, after adding a second tunnel boring machine. EV Import Rules: Belarus has exhausted the duty-free personal quota for electric vehicles; further imports will face a 15% customs duty, though VAT exemptions may still apply for newer EVs. Industrial/Infrastructure Watch: Belarusian officials and partners are also moving on transport and infrastructure planning, while broader regional security concerns keep attention on critical infrastructure protection. Energy & Trade Context: Fuel and energy supply issues remain in focus across the region, with Belarus repeatedly tied into import and cooperation discussions.

Electric Vehicles & Customs: Belarus has exhausted its duty-free import quota for electric vehicles by individuals; further EV imports will face a 15% customs duty, while VAT exemptions can still apply for cars made within five years. Urban Transport & Construction: Minsk is pushing to clear residential courtyards of cars, expand paid parking, and restrict commercial vehicle parking; separately, officials say the third metro line’s second stage is on schedule for 2028, with the ring line due to start in 2027. Industrial Regulation: The Belarus State Standards Committee banned DNS ELECTRONICS from selling 116 household appliance items over missing conformity documents, ordering an unscheduled inspection. Mining/Finance: VTB will provide banking support for Russia’s Sukhoi Log gold project, aimed at tighter spending control and faster contractor settlements—relevant for regional mining finance links. Nuclear Waste Monitoring: Satellite imagery work around the Mstsislau district suggests ongoing earthworks tied to a potential radioactive waste disposal site, while BelRAO says only suitability surveys were completed. Belarus-Russia Military Logistics: Belarusian air defense troops arrived in Russia for live-fire exercises, with logistics and field support described by the defense ministry.

Urban Mobility: Minsk plans to “free” residential courtyards from cars by moving vehicles to guarded parking lots and paid zones, while tightening rules on commercial vehicle parking inside courtyards. Construction & Housing: The city also outlined a major new development beyond the Minsk Ring Road—Zyalyony Bor—targeting 4+ million sq m of housing over 10–12 years, with a big share for social categories and rental homes. Transport Infrastructure: Work on the third transport ring is moving ahead, with new interchanges and overpasses aimed at easing peak-hour congestion and improving logistics for heavy trucks. Industrial Regulation: Belarus reduced and reshaped an export ban on industrial goods—cutting the list from 199 to 77 items—while extending the ban period until March 22, 2027, with new rules starting Sept 23. EV Import Controls: Belarus has exhausted the duty-free personal import quota for electric vehicles; further EVs will face a 15% customs duty, though VAT exemptions may still apply for newer models. Standards Enforcement: The State Standards Committee banned DNS ELECTRONICS from selling 116 appliance items lacking required conformity documents and ordered an unscheduled inspection. Energy/Logistics Safety: An electric scooter battery exploded during charging in Minsk district, sending a man to hospital with burns; authorities are investigating the cause. Belarus in Regional Security Drills: Belarusian air defense troops arrived in Russia for the second stage of operational-tactical exercises with live fire, including logistics support arrangements.