MINSK, 22 April (BelTA) - Belarus and Arkhangelsk Oblast may approach $100 million in mutual trade in 2024, Chairman of the Belarusian timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry concern Bellesbumprom concern Aleksandr Pshenny said at the fourth meeting of the working group on cooperation between Belarus and Arkhangelsk Oblast of Russia in Minsk on 22 April, BelTA has learned.
"Our mutual visits have already become a regular thing. Today's event will lay the foundation for the further development of relations between Belarus and Arkhangelsk Oblast at the state and municipal levels, in the field of culture, science and education, and also between industry producers," Aleksandr Pshenny said.
According to him, all the documents previously agreed are being successfully implemented. "We are now making great progress to execute an action plan for 2023-2026 to the agreement between the governments of Arkhangelsk Oblast and Belarus on cooperation in trade, economy, science, technology and humanitarian affairs.”
"Economy is the basis for improving the well-being of our citizens. Today we can aim for an ambitious goal of about $100 million in mutual trade in 2024.
The head of the concern expressed confidence that today's meeting will be productive and will make a significant contribution to bilateral cooperation.
The meeting brought together Chairman of the Belarusian timber, woodworking, pulp and paper industry concern Bellesbumprom concern Aleksandr Pshenny, Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast Alexander Tsybulsky, representatives of the government, ministries, city and district administrations, organizations, and educational institutions of both countries.
The parties are set to review the trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Arkhangelsk Oblast in 2023 and outline promising areas for further cooperation. In particular, the agenda includes cooperation in the manufacturing sector, supply of passenger vehicles, agriculture, subsoil use, science, education and youth policy.
By decision of the Council of Ministers, Bellesbumprom Concern is responsible for the development of cooperation with Arkhangelsk Oblast of Russia. Bellesbumprom is actively working on joint action plans to strengthen cooperation. According to the National Statistical Committee, in January-December 2023 trade between Belarus and Arkhangelsk Oblast surged by 45%. Both trade and exports to Arkhangelsk Oblast in 2023 were record high.
