GOMEL, 21 May (BelTA) – The Gomel Oblast Executive Committee and the administration of Gyor-Moson-Sopron County of Hungary signed an agreement on cooperation in trade and economy, science and technology, and humanitarian affairs at a web-based meeting on 21 May, BelTA has learned.
The agreement was signed by Gomel Oblast Governor Gennady Solovei and President of the General Assembly of Gyor-Moson-Sopron County Zoltan Nemeth.
Despite the difficult epidemiological situation, the parties have been able to hold a meaningful dialogue, draw up and sign a cooperation agreement, Gennady Solovei noted. He thanked the embassies of the two countries for facilitating the establishment of the ties between the regions. “One of the priorities of Gomel Oblast is a multifaceted interregional policy. We have concluded 70 cooperation agreements with 20 countries. This demonstrates our economic openness and readiness for fruitful cooperation with foreign partners,” he said.
Gennady Solovei also informed the Hungarian party about scientific capacities, natural resources, the transport infrastructure, historical and cultural heritage of Gomel Oblast. “Around 60% of the region's output is bound for export. We maintain trade and economic relations with 115 countries. In 2020, the trade between Hungary and Gomel Oblast amounted to $7.2 million,” the governor said. According to him, Gomel Oblast's exports to Hungary include ferrous metals and products from them, timber, wooden goods, salt, and more. Imports from Hungary include medicines, food products, and other goods.
“We are keen to boost mutual trade and expand the range of products,” Gennady Solovei added. Agriculture, especially poultry farming, fishery, and cattle breeding, is seen as a promising cooperation area as well. “We are ready to discuss all proposals and provide support for mutually beneficial projects,” Gennady Solovei stressed.
Zoltan Nemeth told the Belarusian partners that Gyor-Moson-Sopron County is the most economically-advanced region of Hungary that boasts favorable environment, great infrastructure, and a convenient location. “The industry is the backbone of the economy, especially mechanical engineering, which requires a well-developed and convenient transport network,” Zoltan Nemeth stressed. Major international highways and the Danube waterway run through Gyor-Moson-Sopron County. It is also home to an international port with rail connection and an airport can also also handle freight shipments.
“The region is developing in various areas with the help of appropriate programs. As much as 60% of the financing is earmarked for developing the economy and industrial infrastructure, and creating jobs,” Zoltan Nemeth added.
He pointed out similarities between the Belarusian and Hungarian regions. “We see great prospects for expanding cooperation in higher education. We would like to set up a medical higher education institution. Agriculture is another promising area,” Zoltan Nemeth believes.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Hungary Aleksandr Ponomarev and Charge d'Affaires of Hungary in Belarus Istvan Fazekas also spoke in favor of developing interregional relations suggesting they can contribute to trade between Belarus and Hungary.
Gennady Solovei invited an official delegation of Gyor-Moson-Sopron County to Gomel Oblast to discuss joint activities and ways to strengthen ties in detail.
