VITEBSK, 23 November (BelTA) – Since the beginning of the year, trade between Belarus and Pskov Oblast of Russia has grown by 14% year-on-year. Beyond trade, however, the parties can explore new areas of cooperation, such as supplies of high-speed elevators, new types of agricultural machinery, and electric transport, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich said at the 11th meeting of the working group on cooperation between Belarus and the Russian region held during the Days of Pskov Oblast in Vitebsk, BelTA has learned.
Natalya Petkevich emphasized that the friendly relations between Pskov Oblast and Belarus have stood the test of time, not only due to historical circumstances, but also because Belarusians and Russians are close in spirit, loyal, and faithful to one another.
“I believe Pskov Oblast can surprise us with its tourism development, as it is using very unconventional and striking approaches and highly effective methods. This practice is bringing dividends, in a broad sense, to Pskov. There is much we can learn from this and much to offer,” the deputy prime minister said.
She identified areas and products that may interest Pskov residents: Belarusian-made high-speed elevators, new types of agricultural machinery, and electric transport. Natalya Petkevich stressed the importance of looking beyond the current framework of cooperation and finding new points of contact.
“This includes the development of small farms, businesses, and family-owned enterprises. Against this backdrop, tourism potential can also be developed. Today we briefly discussed that this could become one of the directions for joint development of tourist routes. In fact, we can offer interesting tours too,” the deputy prime minister added.
Governor of Pskov Oblast Mikhail Vedernikov noted that relations between Belarus and the Russian region show great momentum. “Last year, trade grew by a quarter and reached about RUB10 billion, or Br360 million. In January-June this year, growth continued rising by almost another 14%. Several factors contribute to this. First, a multi-level system of specific agreements both at the level of the Belarusian government and between Pskov Oblast and regional executive committees. Second, joint events, including delegations’ participation in forums of regions of Russia and Belarus,” the governor said.
He added that cooperation has been established in the manufacturing industry and agriculture. Over the past five years, Pskov farmers have purchased nearly 100 units of Belarusian agricultural machinery. Interregional transport links are developing: trains from Pskov Oblast now run daily to Vitebsk, Brest, Minsk, and Gomel, with cross-border routes also launched.
“Enterprises in Pskov Oblast actively and successfully cooperate with Belarusian companies. The total value of contracts over the past and current year amounts to about RUB2 billion, or Br73 million. At the same time, we believe not all promising areas of cooperation have yet been covered. In particular, this concerns opportunities for Belarusian organizations to participate in competitive tenders held in the region,” Mikhail Vedernikov said. “We know and see that the Belarusian side is interested in this area and has the relevant competencies, but to realize this potential we need to ensure prompt exchange of necessary information between the Pskov Oblast government and the Belarusian Architecture and Construction Ministry.”
He also noted that humanitarian cooperation could be deepened, with more joint projects and events. Interest in such initiatives is growing, and the number of participants in various Belarus-Russia campaings and forums has doubled over the past two years.
Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov/ BelTA
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