BREST, 26 January (BelTA) – Companies from Brest Oblast signed contracts to the tune of $18 million at World Expo 2020 in Dubai, BelTA learned from the head of the Brest Oblast delegation, Deputy Chairman of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee Dmitry Gorodetsky on 26 January.
Brest Oblast Days took place as part of World Expo 2020 on 25 January. Heads and employees of nine companies presented the Belarusian region. In particular, Brest Oblast's economic, investment, and tourism potential was presented by Santa Bremor, Barhim, 1AK Group, STiM, Kobrin Butter and Cheese Making Factory, Brest Meat Packing Plant, and other companies.
Dmitry Gorodetsky said: “Before the expo we had worked on possibilities for signing contracts with our enterprises and organizations. On the whole, everything turned out well. Two contracts were signed with companies from China and four contracts with companies from the United Arab Emirates. Contracts were also signed with resident companies from Nigeria, Hong Kong, Jordan, Romania, and other countries. A total of 14 contracts worth $18 million were signed. The value of the contracts signed with companies from the UAE is close to $8 million. We believe it is quite a good result because Brest Oblast's export to the UAE totaled $5 million last year.”
In particular, the Belarusian companies signed contracts on selling milk powder, ice cream powder, and other foods to the Arab market. Santa Bremor and STiM will increase the volume of deliveries. Barhim signed an agreement with a Dubai company on promoting its products onto the UAE market. An agreement was signed with Chinese partners on the possibility of setting up an enterprise to make heparin in Brest Oblast. Potential investors showed interest in investment offers concerning the production of electric vehicle charging devices and ultrasound scanners in the free economic zone Brest.
Dmitry Gorodetsky said: “The interest was rather lively. About 18 representatives of Arab companies – logistic companies, investment companies, food distributors, companies that trade in raw materials, companies that work in the petrochemical industry – took part in the negotiations and the presentation. The interaction was quite cordial and productive. Certainly, one should not expect rapid penetration of such a high-end market like the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, after getting good feedback in the process of communication we see in what direction we should work. Food is a good market niche. I think we are strong in this regard. It is also quite important that the UAE can become a good starting point for developing trade and economic relations with neighboring countries where there is also a good and solvent market.”
