MOSCOW, 19 October (BelTA) – Vitebsk Oblast is interested not only in developing trade with Russia but also in setting up joint ventures. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Nikolai Sherstnev made the statement during a presentation of the Belarusian region in the Business and Cultural Complex of the Embassy of Belarus in Russia in Moscow on 19 October, BelTA has learned.
The governor said: “Vitebsk Oblast has been working with Russia for a long time, virtually with all the regions, in manufacturing sector, agriculture, culture, and education. There are virtually no areas where we don't have common interests. In addition to trading with Russia we would like to set up joint ventures and complement each other's economies. Joint ventures are more stable on the market.”
During the presentation Nikolai Sherstnev noted that every year Vitebsk Oblast companies export $2.5 billion worth of products. Science-intensive and high-technology products account for one third of the export. Agribusiness companies account for one fifth of the export proceeds.
Vitebsk Oblast pays close attention to the development of innovative technologies. Vitebsk Oblast enterprises make lubricant additives, water purification equipment using advanced technologies, articulated boom lifts, power cables, fiber optic cables, and a wide choice of high-precision measurement tools and optical devices. Vitebsk Oblast enterprises offer linen fabric, acrylic fiber, fiber glass cloth, and dolomite powder. Apart from that, Vitebsk Oblast is also a major footwear producer. The region is also home to a number of assembly enterprises, which make electronics and mechanical engineering products.
Nikolai Sherstnev's words were backed by an exhibition at the embassy's premises. The free economic zone Vitebsk, the industrial group Vitebskprom, light industry companies showcased their goods alongside producers of high-precision optic equipment, medical devices, machine tools, water purification and lifting equipment, radio electronics, cables.
Vitebsk Oblast foods had a section of their own. Visitors could taste some of them.
A number of cultural places of interest located in Vitebsk Oblast were presented as well. Workshops on weaving, wickerwork, embroidery, and other crafts were arranged.
Negotiations held during the presentation resulted in cooperation agreements between the Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Odintsovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Southern Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Moscow Oblast, and the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Employers).
Russian MPs, representatives of the government of Moscow and the oblast, representatives of business circles, heads of several Russian regions and Moscow districts, representatives of the Standing Committee of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the Eurasian Economic Commission visited the presentation. Representatives of over 30 diplomatic missions, which are accredited in Moscow, also appreciated the potential of Vitebsk Oblast.
The presentation was arranged by the Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the Vitebsk Oblast administration and the Embassy of Belarus in Russia.
