VITEBSK, 24 April (BelTA) – France is interested in enhancing cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Belarus Didier Canesse said during a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Vladimir Penin in Vitebsk on 24 April, BelTA has learned.
The ambassador's visit to Vitebsk is an exploratory one. “However, the theme of developing economic relations is central to my mission. It is important to identify the potential of Vitebsk Oblast in the areas the French private sector is interested in, to find common ground,” stressed Didier Canesse. He promised that the embassy would provide the necessary support in that direction.
Konstantin Cherny, Deputy Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, outlined possible areas of mutual interest. Among them are joint projects in flax processing. Vitebsk Oblast pays close attention to this industry while France has cutting-edge technologies. Cooperation in drug production is promising as well. French manufacturers supply Vitebsk Oblast with pharmaceutical raw materials amounting to about $20 million every year. All proposals concerning the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation will be prepared and sent to the embassy shortly.
The ambassador also spoke about the development of cultural and educational cooperation during the meeting. In particular, this could be the participation of French representatives in the international festival of arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, organization of joint exhibitions connected with Chagall and Malevich, possible projects aimed at popularizing the French language.
The ambassador is also set to to meet with the Vitebsk city authorities, representatives of the private sector, to visit Vitebsk Art School, the Marc Chagall Museum, gymnasium No.9 and other institutions.
