The flax industry requires the joint efforts of Belarusian and Russian experts - Nikolai Sherstnev
Nikolai Sherstnev focused on the prospects of this industry. According to him, there is currently a global trend towards a green economy and natural fabrics. "Given the preserved technological and scientific base of Belarus and Russia, we should join forces in this area. This issue concerns us, we see prospects, and we understand that we have also missed a lot in recent years," emphasized the Governor of the Vitebsk region. "At the same time, in Belarus, the Vitebsk region has taken on the burden of restoring flax mills and modernizing their equipment. We are currently sowing the main volume of flax in the country. We will probably build another flax mill. We are ready to discuss all issues on this topic and are focused on results."
Grigory Rapota recalled that a few years ago, a concept for a joint Union State program for the development of flax cultivation was prepared. However, it was subsequently not approved by the finance ministries of the two countries, as it was investment-oriented. "We can only invest money in innovative projects," explained Grigory Rapota. In this regard, the State Secretary of the Union State stressed that when developing new joint projects in this area, it is necessary to start precisely from the innovative component, which will allow overcoming the barrier hindering the opening of financing.
The meeting at the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee was held as part of the Union State Day events at the XXIX International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk".