MINSK, 18 February (BelTA) – Minsk Oblast is interesting for German companies as land with an investment potential. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Belarus Manfred Huterer made the statement as he met with Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Turchin on 18 February, BelTA has learned.
The ambassador noted: “As an investment site Minsk Oblast is very interesting for German companies. The fact that the work ethics and mentality of Belarusians resemble German ones plays a positive role. It is also important that our interests coincide.”
In turn, the governor mentioned Germany's importance as a partner of Minsk Oblast and indicated interest in establishing partnership relations with a federal land of Germany. “Disregarding exports of OAO Belarusian Potash Company Germany is ranked fourth in terms of trade with Minsk Oblast and third after Lithuania and Poland in terms of merchandise export to the European Union. We believe that twinning relations will allow marking the Belarusian region on the economic map of Europe, will present an opportunity to expand cooperation not only in the sphere of trade and economy but the social sphere as well, will allow stepping up exchanges between small and medium businesses,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
Apart from that, the governor suggested establishing cooperation between Minsk Oblast and the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW). In his opinion, it will allow improving the investment climate in Minsk Oblast, give an impulse to the advancement of contacts between enterprises and organizations of Minsk Oblast and Germany. The Belarusian region is also interested in implementing joint practical projects of scientific, technical, and social nature, in sharing information about state measures designed to encourage investment activities.
“It is advisable to develop special zones such as the free economic zone Minsk and the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone. One could borrow one's agribusiness practices. For instance, we intend to grow organic food in Myadel District. It could be exported to Germany. It is also possible to focus on pharmaceutics, spheres of education and culture,” Aleksandr Turchin added.
The ambassador noted: “In turn, I am ready to provide all kinds of assistance with establishing and enhancing contacts between Belarusian and German enterprises. We have to preserve and deepen the dynamics of advancement of Belarusian-German relations.”
