In view of Vitebsk Oblast Governor Alexander Kosinets, Belarus’ efforts to promote private initiative and adoption of Directive No 4 will increase the number of people involved in SMEs in Vitebsk Oblast from 110,000 to 200,000 in 2015. The share of entrepreneurs in the gross regional output will rise from 7.8% to 15%. The oblast will make every effort to create an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. “Each constructive business proposal will be heard and supported,” Alexander Kosinets assured. Businessmen will be able to take part as equals in the implementation of 25 major investment programs of the regional development, they will be given an opportunity to show initiative in a variety of areas: from manufacturing to the development of tourist infrastructure. About one hundred new enterprises and facilities set up with the help of small business are to open in Vitebsk Oblast in 2011 alone.

"In the first quarter of this year alone, the trade turnover between our countries amounted to $11 billion. By the end of the year, it will exceed $40 billion," said Pavel Borodin, noting that Russia does not have such developed economic relations even with some major countries of the world.

As vocal coach Irina Romanovskaya told a BELTA correspondent, Ani Atroshchenko has good impressions, and the young performer is in an optimistic and cheerful mood. The good organization of the children's competition, which this year is designed in a fairy-tale style, gives her self-confidence. The decorations of "Wonderland" from Lewis Carroll's fairy tale were moved to the "Vitebsk" concert hall, where the competition is taking place, after the suburban draw. "I believe in Ani's strengths, in her ability to become one of the laureates," said Irina Romanovskaya. She also noted that the young artists have managed to become friends, communicate, and warm up their voices together before rehearsals and performances.

July 10, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Novogrudok and Oshmyany may join the Covenant of Mayors. The cities expressed interest in this at the international conference "From an energy-saving house to an energy-efficient city!", which concluded in Polotsk, Ivan Shchedrenok, secretary of the project "SURE: Sustainable energy development in cities of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument region – on the way to the Covenant of Mayors", told a BELTA correspondent.

Having considered the issues with the supply of equipment to upgrading farms across the country, the government decided to announce a tender among its manufacturers. "Some manufacturers did not approach price determination with full responsibility, - believes Mikhail Myasnikovich. - We strive to make prices affordable, to minimize imports."

The Spartakiad is another event aimed at fostering civic responsibility, morality, and patriotism among youth, developing and popularizing the region's law enforcement movement, as well as identifying young citizens with good physical and legal training for work in law enforcement agencies.

300 homeowners' associations are operating in the Vitebsk region, Yuri Dyadelo, head of the housing and communal services department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, told a BELTA correspondent.

Tomorrow, during the solemn assembly dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Vitebsk region, a ceremony will be held to award the honorary title "Person of the Year of Vitebsk Region" to the best representatives of various sectors of the region's national economy.