The so-called representative of the occupied Abkhazia to the Russian Federation, Oleg Bartsits, recently announced that Sokhumi would soon open a trade representation in Minsk in order to deepen the ties between Belarus and Abkhazia. 

In an interview with "Sputnik", Bartsits noted that "it is planned to establish trade and economic relations between Belarus and Abkhazia", adding that the Belarusian side had received this idea with great enthusiasm. Bartsits further stated that concrete steps are already being taken to open a commercial representation in Belarus and that specific work processes will begin with Belarusian businessmen after the end of the New Year holidays. He also expressed that Abkhazia could offer agricultural products to the Belarusian market and that the development of economic potential with Belarus in the direction of industrial production, agriculture, and mechanical engineering, including agricultural machinery, is of great interest to them. 

This follows President Alexander Lukashenko’s unexpected visit to the occupied Abkhazia in September 2022. At Bichvinta's country house, Lukashenko and the leader of Abkhazia Aslan Bzhania discussed trade and economic relations, international situation and security issues.