MINSK, 21 January (BelTA) – Belarus and Smolensk Oblast intend to advance trade and economic cooperation. Ways of expanding the partnership and prospects of carrying out new joint projects were discussed during the session of the working group on cooperation between Belarus and Russia's Smolensk Oblast in Vitebsk on 20 January, the press service of the Belarusian Transport and Communications Ministry told BelTA.
The negotiations were chaired by Belarusian Transport and Communications Minister Anatoly Sivak and Vice Governor, Head of the Investment Development Department of Smolensk Oblast Rostislav Rovbel.
The negotiations primarily focused on cooperation in heavy and light industries, civil engineering, shipment and maintenance of Belarus-made vehicles in Smolensk Oblast, shipments of Belarusian agricultural products and food to the Russian region. Cooperation in cultural affairs was also mentioned.
Anatoly Sivak noted that in 2016 they managed to keep the volume of Belarus' trade turnover with Smolensk Oblast at roughly the level of 2015. The Transport and Communications Minister said he was confident it is possible to significantly increase the volume of bilateral trade in 2017.
The Belarusian side is ready to assist with resolving important issues for Smolensk and the oblast. It was noted that it is necessary to start working systemically in order to promote mutual interests. The economic potential of the sides allows reaching this goal.
An agreement on cooperation and interaction between the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship and the Smolensk Chamber of Commerce and Industry was signed as a result of the session.
