MINSK, 1 July (BelTA) – The forums of regions of Belarus and Russia have a solid portfolio of agreements and contracts, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova told reporters after the plenary session of the 8th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia on 1 July, BelTA has learned.
"Our forums already have a solid portfolio of agreements and contracts, new ties between regions, enterprises, people,” Natalya Kochanova said. “The media have already reported on economic contracts worth $800 million signed during the 8th Forum of Regions. In addition, our chambers of commerce and industry inked an agreement to set up a business cooperation council. I am very pleased that our Youth Council at the National Assembly of Belarus and the Chamber of Young Legislators of the Federation Council of Russia have struck a cooperation agreement. This will facilitate the work of our colleagues, young legislators. I think they are going to bring fresh perspective and new ideas. This is also very important. All in all, about 50 agreements on cooperation were signed between the governments of Belarus and Russia. Regions have followed suit. It is very important that the regional councils of deputies have concluded cooperation agreements with their counterparts in the Russian Federation. So the result is great, in my opinion."
According to the speaker, it is too early to make forecasts about reaching the one billion dollar mark, but there are all the prerequisites for this. "Of course, we must strive for this goal. We understand that this is important. But life always makes its own adjustments. Let's hope that we will hit this mark. If we look at our trade, it has increased by 34% in January-May year-on-year,” the speaker said. “But you should understand that we work on the forum agenda not only for the past three days, but throughout the year. So I think this goal is achievable. But what is most important is that all decisions and contracts should be implemented.”
The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is held under the auspices of the upper chambers of the parliaments of the two countries – the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia. The 8th edition of the forum kicked off on 29 June and is running through 1 July. Its main events are held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The participants of the forum discuss science and technology cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the digitalization era and the development of the common scientific and technological space in the Union State.
Speaking at the plenary session are heads of government bodies, ministries and departments, representatives of business communities of the two countries, and digitalization experts.
