GOMEL, 29 September (BelTA) - Gomel Oblast of Belarus will continue to develop all-round cooperation with Russia's Bryansk Oblast, Gomel Oblast Governor Gennady Solovei said during a meeting with Governor of Bryansk Oblast Aleksandr Bogomaz, BelTA has learned.
The two regions have been actively developing close cooperation in trade, economy, science, humanitarian and cultural affairs since 1999 when they signed a cooperation agreement. "Geographical proximity, well-developed economic capacity, friendly ties between our peoples distinguish Bryansk Oblast among other subjects of Russia," Gennady Solovei said.
A joint venture of Bryanskelmash and Gomselmash, which was established in 2005, is a great example of industrial cooperation, Gennady Solovei noted. The Gomel company sends vehicle kits to Bryansk where the joint venture assembles and sells them. "This year more than 800 kits worth more than RUB4 billion will be shipped to Bryanskselmash," Gennady Solovei added.
Another company, Gomelagrokomplekt, is completing the delivery of the first batch of farm equipment for 6,000 head to the Brasovo dairy farm in Bryansk Oblast. The company is also working on a new type of carousel milking equipment.
According to Gennady Solovei, last year the trade between the two regions went up by more than 10% year-on-year. “At present the trade between Gomel Oblast and Bryansk Oblast accounts for more 5% of the trade with the Russian Federation, more than 9% of the export and about 3% of the import,” the governor said.
Gomel Oblast's major exports are agricultural equipment, dairy products, cardboard and paper, ferrous metals and products made of them, and other goods to Bryansk.
Bryansk organizations sell ferrous scrap, construction instruments, pumps, ventilators, plastic component parts to the Belarusian south-eastern region.
The region maintain regional ties in other areas as well.
“Unfortunately, the epidemiological situation has affected direct communication. I hope that as the situation improves the regions will implement new projects and joint events,” Gennady Solovei said. He also expressed readiness to promote comprehensive interaction, search for new forms and areas of cooperation.
“Partner relations and cooperation with Bryansk Oblast are of high importance for us. We share common history. We honor and respect it. We will continue developing cooperation in various areas,” the Gomel Oblast governor told the media. In his words, the parties have common interests in many sectors, including agriculture and industrial manufacturing.
