The French Ambassador does not rule out the possibility of cooperation between French and Belarusian machine-building companies

April 7, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Belarus Michel Reineri does not rule out the possibility of cooperation between French and Belarusian companies in the machine-building sector. He stated this to journalists in Vitebsk today, answering a question from a BELTA correspondent. "During the meeting between the State Secretary for European Affairs of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pierre Lellouche and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko, a proposal for cooperation in the machine-building sector was indeed voiced. Our companies have not worked together yet, but we will see, perhaps," the diplomat said. Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets, at a meeting with Michel Reineri, proposed that the French side consider the possibility of creating a joint venture for the production of passenger cars based on the Orsha Tool Plant. The Vitebsk region is also interested in cooperation with French companies in implementing modern technologies for processing short flax fiber and organizing the production of flax harvesting equipment. Vitebsk enterprises in the dairy industry are interested in attracting investors to participate in the modernization of equipment. The Vitebsk region has joined the European project to create the "Green Corridor East-West" transport route, which is intended to connect the EU countries with Asian states. In this regard, projects for the creation of transport and logistics centers based on airports in Vitebsk and Bolbasovo may be of interest to French capital. The name of Marc Chagall, who connected Vitebsk and Paris in his paintings, can become a unifying factor for the implementation of joint projects in the cultural sphere. For example, French investors may participate in the reconstruction of the Marc Chagall Museum. Vitebsk art critics and museum workers propose to create a comprehensive database on the activities of the Vitebsk Art School. In a brief conversation with journalists, Michel Reineri noted that he had recently reread Marc Chagall's book of memoirs "My Life". Visiting the art gallery and the Marc Chagall Museum are part of the program of the French Ambassador's stay in the region. In addition, the diplomat will meet with Archbishop of Vitebsk Dimitry, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the Republic of Belarus Vladislav Blin, speak to gymnasium students, and familiarize himself with the work of the Vitebsk FEZ. The trade turnover of the Vitebsk region with France in 2009 amounted to $25.7 million. Enterprises of the region export mushrooms, casein, moldings, glass fabrics, peat, and optical instruments. The Orsha firm "Svitanak" cooperates with French fashion houses. -0-