GOMEL, 10 June (BelTA) - Gomel Oblast of Belarus and Khatlon Region of Tajikistan intend to develop cooperation in agriculture and industry. Gomel Oblast First Vice governor Dmitry Kozel met with a Tajikistan delegation headed by First Deputy Chairman of the Khatlon Region administration Salimzoda Fayzullo, BelTA reports.
Dmitry Kozel noted that Gomel Oblast is an industrial hub in Belarus. The guests were briefed about the industrial, investment, and scientific potential of the region.
According to Dmitry Kozel, the level of trade and cooperation between the regions is insufficient. "We have room for growth. We are ready and open to various proposals," he stressed.
As an example of mutually beneficial cooperation Dmitry Kozel named partnership in dairy production. For example, Gomel specialists can build farms on a turnkey basis.
Salimzoda Fayzullo noted that both agriculture and industry are well developed in Gomel Oblast. "I think we will find points for further cooperation. We are interested in mineral fertilizers, timber, cattle, and fodder for the poultry industry which is very developed in our country," he said.
Speaking about the potential of Khatlon Region, the head of the delegation said that this is a large region of Tajikistan. According to him, the region accounts from 48% to 78% of the country's total output of some agricultural products. "These are vegetables, early fruits, melons, citrus fruits. For example, our lemon is very famous - beautiful, sweet. We just need to work on logistics," Salimzoda Fayzullo said.
Agro-ecotourism can be another area of partnership. The guests were told about the potential of the Belarusian region in this sector. In turn, the guests recalled that the recent years have been declared years of tourism in Tajikistan. Much attention has been paid to agro-ecotourism. "We have a very developed industry. We can find common ground so that our tourists visit you and travelers from Belarus come visit us," Salimzoda Fayzullo said.
The parties expressed the opinion that there is something to learn from each other, and that the development of cooperation will be useful for the two regions and their citizens.
