Belarus and the Smolensk region demonstrate an example of effective cross-border cooperation

March 26, Moscow / Eduard Pivovar - BELTA/. Belarus and the Smolensk region are a prime example of effective cross-border cooperation. This was stated by the Governor of the Smolensk region, Sergey Antufyev, in an interview with a BELTA correspondent. He emphasized that enterprises of the Smolensk region have cooperative ties with all regions of Belarus, but cooperation is most active precisely with the border regions - Vitebsk and Mogilev regions. Last year, the Smolensk region concluded a cooperation agreement with the Vitebsk region, and a plan of measures for the implementation of the current agreement with the Mogilev region was also signed. According to the governor, it was close ties that allowed the Smolensk region to take 6th place among all Russian regions in terms of trade turnover with Belarus. In 2008, it amounted to $790 million, an increase of 31% compared to the previous year. "This is a good indicator, and most importantly, the figures confirm that the Smolensk region is not just cooperating with Belarus; our example shows that cross-border cooperation is a guarantee for the construction of the Union State," Sergey Antufyev is convinced. He reported that currently, there are 88 enterprises operating in the Smolensk region with the participation of Belarusian capital, and all of them are working very successfully. In the near future, the construction of a plant for assembling Belarusian agricultural machinery will begin in the Smolensk region. "This project is very interesting; it is estimated at more than two billion Russian rubles," noted Sergey Antufyev. There are also plans to develop ties with Mogilev road construction and elevator equipment plants. And in February, a greenhouse complex was opened in the Smolensk region, the creation of which used the experience of the Vitebsk region. The Smolensk region is also actively cooperating with Belarus in the agricultural sector. In particular, ties have been established for the exchange of seed funds, and assistance is provided during spring sowing. In addition, contacts in the social sphere are developing. The governor said that in the Smolensk region, a unique tourist route is being developed for the 200th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812. "When we discussed the concept of this project, we could not ignore the Belarusian side," said Sergey Antufyev. "This project is promising from an economic point of view as well." "The Smolensk land is closely connected with the fate of Belarus," Sergey Antufyev concluded. "We have much in common, but the main thing is that in the Smolensk region, they speak warmly and with conviction about the need to live together." -0-