Days of Slovakia in Vitebsk within the framework of "Slavianski Bazaar" were opened by the Belarusian-Slovak Business Forum (+photo report)

Slovakia's readiness for cooperation, including capital investment in the economy of the Vitebsk region, has recently been voiced with increasing confidence, and intentions are taking shape in concrete projects. While at a similar forum last year the two sides were sizing each other up, at the current meeting they meet as good friends and reliable partners. This is not surprising: throughout the year, there have been several meetings to align their course, including in March in Vitebsk between the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Republic of Belarus, Jozef Migash, and the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, where priority areas of interaction were identified. A business conversation took place this time as well. The main task of the forum is to take concrete steps towards joint projects, as today's economic situation does not tolerate delays in attracting foreign investment.

More than 40 representatives of Slovak business arrived in Vitebsk. The main areas of their activities are energy, woodworking, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction, i.e., those sectors of the economy that are of most interest to the Vitebsk region. During the forum, entrepreneurs will receive answers to their questions regarding doing business and the investment climate in our region. Firstly, during "round tables," contact and cooperation exchanges, and exhibitions with the participation of leading local manufacturers, and secondly, by directly visiting Vitebsk enterprises. The program includes IE "Vitebsk Sawmill," LLC "Bell Bimbo," and JV "Fortex – Water Technologies," but, as reported by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Economy of the Regional Executive Committee, Konstantin Cherny, this list can be expanded at the request of any potential investor.

– The Slovak side is interested in the topic of waste processing, and we can offer such a project, as well as energy (we will talk about the construction of the Beshenkovichi HPP), the development of roadside services and tourism, and woodworking, which would allow us to access the European Union market through Slovakia in the future. All these issues are under consideration, – noted Konstantin Eduardovich.

Another area is agriculture, in particular, the breeding and raising of cattle for marbled meat, which was discussed by the Ambassador, who visited the Lepel district on the eve of the forum.

– The Slovaks are interested in working in Belarus, and there are prospects, but everything needs to be calculated, a real business plan is needed, only then can work begin. Unfortunately, there are delays in certain projects precisely because of the calculations. Together, we need to analyze what has been done and what has not been done, how to remove obstacles. We need to complement our Slavic soul with Western pragmatism, – noted Jozef Migash.

Confidence that the forum will be useful and contribute to the improvement of trade and economic relations between the two sides was expressed by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev, opening the plenary session. He assured that investors would be provided with full assistance. Indeed, when choosing a region to invest capital in, the attitude of enterprise managers and representatives of local authorities plays a big role. According to Alexey Sychev, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in the Republic of Belarus, in this regard, the Vitebsk region is a region where there is a real interest in investments, where they are loyal to foreign businessmen.

In addition to the economic component, the Days of Slovakia in Vitebsk include an introduction to the cultural traditions of this country. Thus, an exhibition by Zuzana Rudavska will be held at the Art Museum, Days of Slovak Cinema at the Mir cinema, tasting of national Slovak dishes at farmsteads, and other events aimed at bringing the two Slavic peoples closer together.

Olga Maslovskaya. Photo by Dmitry OSIPOV. "Vitebskiye vesti".