MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – The draft concept for the approximation of the legislation of the two countries will be discussed at the 5th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, which is due to take place in Mogilev on 10-12 October, Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic, Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia Marianna Shchetkina said in an interview to the Respublika newspaper, BelTA informs.
“The approximation of the legislation of Belarus and Russia should take place with the inviolability of a number of principles enshrined in the Union State Treaty, including the principles of maintaining states' sovereignty and independence, and taking into account the national interests of the two countries. The concept is designed to determine the prospects for the approximation of laws, with the focus on the top priorities such as equal rights of citizens, equal conditions for business entities, common markets without withdrawals and restrictions, and a digital economy. The draft concept is currently finalized taking into account the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders. The document will be discussed during the forum,” said Marianna Shchetkina.
In her words, the forum has become a calling card of regional cooperation between Belarus and Russia. “It produces results. Every year the number of commercial contracts and agreements signed at the event increases. More than $930 million worth of contracts have been signed over the time. The amount of contracts signed at the 3rd Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia made up about $300 million. The sum exceeded $400 million at the 4th Forum of Regions. This year we plan to make it $500 million,” the deputy chairwoman of the Council of the Republic said.
Marianna Shchetkina also spoke about the program of the forum. The main event will be a plenary session to discuss priority areas to develop regional cooperation as a key factor in integration and the Union State construction. Sections will focus on agrarian policy, unification and harmonization of legislation, digital economy, youth policy, international activity and economic security.
The business part of the program will include a meeting of the Business Cooperation Council, business meetings and negotiations featuring governors, heads of companies and enterprises of the two countries. The Inter-Parliamentary Commission of the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council of Russia on Interregional Cooperation will hold a regular meeting.
The program will also include the Week of Integration and Cooperation, a youth forum, a meeting of students, a Union State sports day for children and youth, an ice hockey tournament, a joint meeting of the women's unions of Mogilev Oblast and Tula Oblast and other events. A fir of arts and crafts will showcase products of craftsmen and folklore amateur groups of Belarus and Russia.
