On the development of business ties between the Vitebsk region and Russian regions: an interview with Nikolai Sherstnev for the newspaper "Soyuz. Belarus - Russia"
- More than half of the foreign trade turnover of the Vitebsk region falls on the Russian Federation. How are economic relations developing, considering the COVID-19 pandemic?
- The challenging year 2020 confirmed that Russia remains the main partner of the Vitebsk region. This is evident both from the figures (the trade turnover of Vitebsk region enterprises with the regions of the Russian Federation amounted to 2.2 billion dollars, cooperation is developing with 77 regions) and from the fact that even during the pandemic, our economic contacts remained at a higher level than with other states. As a result, Russia's share in foreign trade has increased. Shipments of goods to the Republic of Sakha and the Republic of Tyva have begun. A new facet of cooperation, which emerged due to various restrictions, was the holding of events in an online format, including creative competitions. Although their quality and, most importantly, their effectiveness, of course, cannot be compared with live communication.
- The emphasis in the development of bilateral relations is placed on strengthening regional and twin-city ties. How justified is this approach?
- Justified because it is effective. Interregional cooperation with the regions of the Russian Federation allows for the specification of mutual activities in both the economic and social spheres, and maintains dialogue between economic entities. Undoubtedly, all rules of interaction in foreign trade, investment policy, and currency regulation are developed in central management bodies, including based on the experience and practice of interregional contacts. An effective system is formed, allowing for clear structuring and strengthening of contacts at the regional level. As proof, I will cite the following facts: as of January, there are 26 bilateral agreements of the Executive Committee and over a hundred agreements of districts and cities of the Vitebsk region with the corresponding territorial entities of Russia, which yield significant results in the overall treasury.
- What are the plans for increasing cooperation this year, and where do you see growth opportunities?
- First of all, it is necessary to restore the contacts that were active before the pandemic, and to agree on the terms of delivery and payment for goods. It is also required to diversify supplies to the regions by using the mechanism of interregional ties. To intensify supplies to the Northwestern region, Trans-Urals, and the Southern Federal District. In addition, it is necessary to work out a mechanism for joint production of products with Russian partners – from cultivation to processing. At the same time, there is an opportunity to attract resources from the Russian Export Center. A similar operating scheme has already been tested on the project of constructing a metal rolling plant in Miory. If we speak in general, then the basis for further economic development lies in developing a mechanism for creating a unified product, removing barriers and restrictions on its movement within Belarus and Russia, and adjusting the procurement procedures for such goods.
- Considering logistics, the multimodal complex "Bremeno-Orsha" is of significant importance for Belarus and Russia. How interesting is it for investors?
- The complex is designed to handle international cargo flows, including the delivery of goods to Russia from European, Asian, and African countries. For this purpose, two warehouse complexes of 12 thousand square meters each have been built, as well as platforms for unloading vehicles. An air terminal is under construction, as the Orsha airfield, after the reconstruction of its runway, can accommodate any type of aircraft. A railway terminal is also being designed, which will allow by 2023 to handle any type of cargo arriving by road, air, and rail transport. All this makes the "Bremeno-Orsha" project particularly interesting for logistics companies that can use the complex's infrastructure to form their own cargo flows. It should be taken into account that after the investor completes the construction of engineering infrastructure facilities (gas, water, electricity), the complex's attractiveness will increase significantly, as technological conditions will be created for the construction of new enterprises and production facilities, taking into account the preferences defined for the special economic zone.
- A landmark event in the cultural life of Belarus and the Union State is the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. How is the preparation for the forum progressing?
- We have accumulated extensive experience in preparing for the festival and hosting guests. In the very near future, current repairs of external improvement facilities will begin, including the repair of the city's road network, engineering structures, installation of new small architectural forms, and landscaping. The preparation of the hotel and dormitory facilities is a special focus. For the festival participants, it is planned to use 14 accommodation facilities with a capacity of up to two thousand places. Emphasis will be placed on observing safety measures, taking into account the epidemiological situation. However, this approach will not prevent the festival from retaining its special atmosphere, and our guests from enjoying its events.