GOMEL, 25 May (BelTA) – An agreement on interregional cooperation has been signed by the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee and the Chernigov Regional State Administration at a panel session of the 15th Gomel Economic Forum on 25 May, BelTA has learnt.
The document was signed by Gomel Oblast Governor Vladimir Dvornik and Chernigov Oblast Deputy Governor Natalia Romanova.
Natalia Romanova emphasized that this agreement was signed in the run-up to the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine. The document is expected to lay a foundation for efficient economic cooperation of the two regions. “This is a strategic, a really important agreement. Gomel Oblast is our long-standing strategic partner. Belarus is in the top three of our economic partners,” she said. Cooperation has been established between universities and healthcare facilities; a long-term memorandum has been passed by cancer centers of Chernigov and Gomel. Three projects are being implemented within the framework of the Eastern Partnership initiative. One of them seeks to advance small and medium business; the second one is designed to improve the research of water resources in the Dnepr basin; the third one, Dnepr Ferry, will link the museums of the two regions by a tourist route. Apart from that, a cooperation agreement in tourism was signed in 2017.
Taking part in the panel session were representatives of diplomatic missions and official delegations of the countries that are taking part in the Gomel Economic Forum.
Addressing the participants of the meeting, Vladimir Dvornik noted that today the cooperation between countries goes beyond simple barter transactions and is focused on more sophisticated and effective forms of industrial, scientific, technological and innovation interaction. “The number of effective and mutually beneficial contacts based primarily on economic diplomacy grows every year. Today we offer partners diverse models of integration on solid economic foundations. The resource, geography, social and economic potential of our region has enabled it to take a prominent place on the investment map of the world,” the governor noted.
The governor stressed that Gomel Oblast has pursued a consistent policy of strengthening mutually beneficial contacts and friendly relations with foreign partners. “We have concluded more than 200 agreements and protocols on cooperation with many countries. This figure means joint ventures, R&D, numerous agricultural internships, master classes by leading medical professionals, cultural exchanges and many more,” he added.
The head of the region also expressed confidence that such meetings give an additional impetus to the development of international economic, social and cultural relations, and shape the future of mutually beneficial cooperation.
This year's Gomel Economic Forum has gathered more than 650 participants from 32 countries. The region showcased its economic and investment capabilities during the event. Nine documents totaling more than $480 million were signed.
First held in 2004, the Gomel Economic Forum is an effective platform to launch investment projects. From 2008 to 2017, an estimated 88 documents to the total amount of almost $2 billion were signed at the forum. Around 50 projects have beene completed or at the stage of implementation.
