BREST, 10 November (BelTA) – Brest Oblast's merchandise export to Ukraine increased by 1.5 times in January-August year-on-year, Brest Oblast Governor Yuri Shuleiko said as he met with Ukrainian Consul in Brest Svyatoslav Drach, BelTA reports.
Svyatoslav Drach took charge of the Ukrainian consulate in Brest in October this year. Before that, he was in Belarus only once, more than 20 years ago. Now, according to him, he is just beginning to get acquainted with the region, but has already identified the areas for mutually beneficial cooperation. The diplomat noted that promoting interregional ties is one of the ways of developing economy, culture and tourism.
"An important avenue outlined by both the prime minister and the president of Ukraine is the development of economic relations. Assisting our business in the Belarusian market, and providing assistance to Belarusian investors in Ukraine will also be our priority. Since we share cultural and historical ties, this area will not be ignored by the consulate either," Svyatoslav Drach said.
Yuri Shuleiko noted that Brest Oblast has always treated representatives of all diplomatic missions accredited in the region with respect. As for Ukraine, half of the oblast's districts border on the southern neighboring country. Interregional cooperation was very strong and fruitful once.
“Brest Oblast is self-sufficient and is considered number one among the Belarusian regions in many respects. Industry and agriculture are well-developed here. We are the country's largest meat and milk exporters. We have long-standing ties with Ukraine. We advocate friendship. We have always been open and will remain so,” the governor said.
In January-August 2021 Brest Oblast's trade with Ukraine totaled $199.5 million with a trade surplus and the growth of 25.6%. Brest Oblast producers exported $114.6 million worth of goods to Ukraine, up 53.8% from the previous year. The main exports included coal, fish, malt, meat and dairy products, plant protection products, plywood, chipboard, building blocks and cement bricks. Ukrainian imports comprised soybeans, paper and uncoated cardboard, electrical transformers, clays, sunflower oil, pasta and confectionery products, colza seeds.
