MINSK, 16 February (BelTA) – A Vitebsk Oblast presentation event took place in the Belarusian pavilion at Moscow’s VDNKh on 16 February. It became a pinnacle of the Days of the Vitebsk Oblast running at Russia’s main exhibition venue from 2 to 26 February, BelTA has learned.
Vitebsk Oblast has become the second region of Belarus to present its potential at VDNKh, with Brest Oblast being the first. Other regions will present their achievements in the next few months.
The presentation was opened by Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin. "The presentation of Vitebsk Oblast here, at VDNKh, is only a part of our rich history and culture. I am sure that you will want to visit our beautiful region and also to implement joint projects and ideas with us in order to further our good neighborly relations. The unity of peoples and peace is the most precious thing that we have. We will be able to solve all issues if we work together and press toward the strategic task, namely to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between our regions," Aleksandr Subbotin.
He noted that about 70 Vitebsk and Russian enterprises cooperate and supply each other with raw materials, parts and components.
"The region retains a leading position among the Belarusian regions in terms of export of goods and services. We export over 1,500 types of products, of which about 40% are high- and medium-tech goods. Vitebsk Oblast is the largest producer of such goods as power cables, linen fabrics, footwear, composite materials in Belarus," the head of the region said.
Ambassador of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi noted that Vitebsk Oblast occupies a special place in Belarus.
“You saw on the map that this is the northernmost region of the republic, but in reality this is the cradle of our state,” he emphasized. The ambassador recalled that many famous people came from Vitebsk Oblast: printing pioneers, writers, poets, artists, and scientists.
“Our contemporary, President of Belarus Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko, was also born in Vitebsk Oblast - in the urban village of Kopys, Orsha District. Therefore, Vitebsk Oblast should uphold high standards,” the diplomat said.
State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev noted that representatives of almost 20 constituent entities of the Russian Federation came to the Vitebsk Oblast presentation.
“This is another show of love for Vitebsk Oblast and a testimony that our interregional contacts, sister city relations area crucial element of our cooperation,” he emphasized.
One of honored guests was Mikhail Vedernikov, the Governor of Russia’s Pskov Oblast that neighbors Vitebsk Oblast.
“The events of recent years have brought us closer to each other; we have stepped up work to implement joint projects successfully responding to all challenges of our time. Today we are strengthening our economic and cultural contacts and promoting mutual tourism,” he said.
“They say that you don’t choose your neighbors. But I’m happy that we were lucky with our neighbor; our neighbor became a true friend, a reliable partner and essentially a brother to us. It’s no coincidence that last year Pskov and Vitebsk officially became sister cities. And this document is not pro forma, but a true intention to expand relations,” said the Pskov Oblast governor.
Over the past two weeks, more than 35,000 Moscow residents and guests visited the Days of Vitebsk Oblast at VDNKh. The Vitebsk Oblast exposition presented the history of both Vitebsk Oblast and the Belarusian statehood in the Polotsk lands. The display showcased ancient crafts, the costume of a Vitebsk nobleman, and also the history of the first Belarusian tram. A separate stand celebrated the partisan movement in Vitebsk during the Great Patriotic War, including the life and exploits of one of the country’s outstanding partisans Minay Shmyrev (Batka Minay).
The stand telling the story about the restoration of the Vitebsk Oblast industry after the Great Patriotic War was complemented by modern products of Vitebsk enterprises displayed in the trade pavilions, including Belarusian flax, footwear, and food industry products. All the products had QR codes with general information about the enterprise and all the products manufactured there.
Confirming its title of the Belarusian Capital of Culture, Vitebsk Oblast made an emphasis on the cultural sector in its exposition. A special place was given to the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, with a replica of the Summer Amphitheater arch decorating the stage of the pavilion.
The Vitebsk Oblast exhibition also offers crafts workshops, contests, food tastings, and win-win lotteries.
