How Vitebsk region builds relations with the neighboring state, discussed with an analyst from BISI
From social contacts to economic partnership - Belarus is actively developing relations with Russian regions, strengthening trade, business, and social ties. Today, priority is given to trade and economic contacts between regions as a solution to the most pressing challenge for our countries in modern realities. We discussed how the Vitebsk region is building relationships with its neighboring state with Andrey Mishin, an analyst at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research.
— Andrey Vladimirovich, are economic ties between our region and Russian provinces strengthening?— The foreign trade turnover of Vitebsk region enterprises with the regions of the Russian Federation in 2023 continued its upward trend and approached five billion dollars. Vitebsk region enterprises cooperate with partners from almost all regions of Russia. It is clear that the closest neighbors from the Central and North-Western Federal Districts dominate. The structure of export supplies was dominated by: petrochemical products (polyethylene, chemical fibers, fiberglass), dairy products, poultry products, knitwear, carpets and sewing products, footwear, linen fabrics, machine tools.
More than half of the volume of services rendered by organizations of the region for export falls on consumers from the Russian Federation. In the sector of legal entities, transport services (railway and road transport) and computer services are in demand. Among individuals, these are primarily medical and tourism services.
It is worth noting that the Russian market, in particular, has become a platform for the prompt replacement of our enterprises' product supplies to markets of unfriendly countries that have been closed due to sanctions restrictions.
— Trade is an important element of economic cooperation. However, in the context of sanctions, the issue of import substitution and the development of cooperative ties becomes acute.— Much has been done to activate import substitution projects in practice within the framework of the Union State. Investment projects with the participation of Russian investors are being developed.
— Belarusian-Russian relations have always been strong in their spiritual ties. And the currentyear provide new common ground?— Against the backdrop of economic successes in joint activities, it is important not to forget about the traditional forms of our interaction from past years — in the fields of culture, sports, and education. The development of relations, exchange of experience, and implementation of joint projects based on common values are proceeding in a planned and comprehensive manner.
2024 will be a landmark year for the Vitebsk region in developing relations with government bodies, organizations, and the population from the regions of the Russian Federation.Along with the already traditional cultural points of convergence (the "Slavianski Bazaar" Arts Festival, the Mound of Friendship, and other events), we will host the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia (which will take place in the cities of Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk) and celebrate a number of memorable anniversaries (the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on the creation of the Union State), which unite the Belarusian and Russian peoples.
— Andrey Vladimirovich, are economic ties between our region and Russian provinces strengthening?— The foreign trade turnover of Vitebsk region enterprises with the regions of the Russian Federation in 2023 continued its upward trend and approached five billion dollars. Vitebsk region enterprises cooperate with partners from almost all regions of Russia. It is clear that the closest neighbors from the Central and North-Western Federal Districts dominate. The structure of export supplies was dominated by: petrochemical products (polyethylene, chemical fibers, fiberglass), dairy products, poultry products, knitwear, carpets and sewing products, footwear, linen fabrics, machine tools.
More than half of the volume of services rendered by organizations of the region for export falls on consumers from the Russian Federation. In the sector of legal entities, transport services (railway and road transport) and computer services are in demand. Among individuals, these are primarily medical and tourism services.
It is worth noting that the Russian market, in particular, has become a platform for the prompt replacement of our enterprises' product supplies to markets of unfriendly countries that have been closed due to sanctions restrictions.
— Trade is an important element of economic cooperation. However, in the context of sanctions, the issue of import substitution and the development of cooperative ties becomes acute.— Much has been done to activate import substitution projects in practice within the framework of the Union State. Investment projects with the participation of Russian investors are being developed.
— Belarusian-Russian relations have always been strong in their spiritual ties. And the currentyear provide new common ground?— Against the backdrop of economic successes in joint activities, it is important not to forget about the traditional forms of our interaction from past years — in the fields of culture, sports, and education. The development of relations, exchange of experience, and implementation of joint projects based on common values are proceeding in a planned and comprehensive manner.
2024 will be a landmark year for the Vitebsk region in developing relations with government bodies, organizations, and the population from the regions of the Russian Federation.Along with the already traditional cultural points of convergence (the "Slavianski Bazaar" Arts Festival, the Mound of Friendship, and other events), we will host the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia (which will take place in the cities of Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk) and celebrate a number of memorable anniversaries (the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on the creation of the Union State), which unite the Belarusian and Russian peoples.