MOGILEV, 4 November (BelTA) - Close cooperation and joint projects between Belarus' Mogilev Oblast and the Sughd Region of Tajikistan will have a positive impact on the relations between the two countries, Minsk Oblast Governor Leonid Zayats said during a meeting with the Sughd region delegation, BelTA has learned.
"Today we welcome people in charge of business development in the Sughd Region, in Tajikistan, city mayors and the head of the region Rajabboy Ahmadzoda. They want to get acquainted with our capabilities to supply products to the market of Tajikistan. A cooperation agreement was signed between our regions back in 2017. Thanks to this, relations between our regions have been growing stronger, trade increasing. In January-September of this year, it rose by 30% year-on-year. Mogilev-made goods enjoy a good demand and popularity in the market of Tajikistan. Our focus today is on joint ventures. We must build our relations in such a way as to complement the capabilities of both sides. I am convinced we will find common ground. Close cooperation and implementing joint projects between our regions will have a positive impact on the relations between the two countries as a whole," Leonid Zayats emphasized.
Leonid Zayats noted that Belarus is focused on the development of the light industry, mechanical engineering. “OAO Mogotex, the country's largest producer of textile products, is headquartered in Mogilev. Another Mogilev-based enters – OAO Mogilevliftmash - is one of the largest manufacturers of elevator equipment and spare parts to them. We would like to establish a joint production of elevators in the Sughd Region It will also help us gain a foothold in the market of Tajikistan and neighboring countries. Cooperation between our regions, enterprises, universities, and exchange of cultural delegations will improve trade relations and friendly relations between the two countries," Leonid Zayats said.
Head of the Sughd Region Rajabboy Ahmadzoda noted that the Tajik side has a great interest in cooperation with Mogilev Oblast. "We have a very great potential, there is a serious raw material base for the development of cooperation in various areas: light and food industries, mechanical engineering. Every year we increase the cotton areas and can set up a joint cotton processing venture with Belarus. This will create several thousand new jobs for us. We will be able to supply the Belarusian market with the highest quality and environmentally friendly cotton," he said. “Another area is setting up enterprises to process vegetables and fruits. Sughd Region alone grows more than 1 million tonnes of fresh vegetables and fruits annually. Belarus produces high-quality confectionery while we have excellent raw materials - nuts, peanuts and fruits of high quality. We can also look into production of leather and products from it as the raw materials base is great too. We are interested in purchasing high-quality seeds of potatoes, sugar and tree seedlings."
The Sughd Region delegation is set to visit OAO Mogotex, OAO Mogilevliftamsh, and MAZ's Mogilevtransmash division on 4 November. Tomorrow, the delegation will take an active part in the 12th International Investment Forum "Mill of Success". As Rajabboy Ahmadzoda noted, entrepreneurs and business officials have some ideas and business plans to offer. "Tomorrow they will exchange views with entrepreneurs of Mogilev Oblast and Belarus, discuss all proposals. I am sure that the implementation of these projects will give a positive impetus to the development of our countries," he stressed.
