The development of economic ties will be a priority in the cooperation between the Vitebsk and Pskov regions

May 15, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The development of trade and economic ties should be a priority in the cooperation between Vitebsk and Pskov regions, stated the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets today at a meeting with the Governor of the Pskov Region of the Russian Federation Andrey Turchak, a BELTA correspondent reports.

The economic potential of the adjacent regions of Belarus and Russia contributes to establishing mutually beneficial contacts, however, the existing trade turnover remains low, noted Alexander Kosinets. The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee proposed to his colleague to consider the possibility of creating trading houses in Vitebsk and Pskov, joint ventures for the production of building materials and metalworking. The development of the tourism industry can also be mutually beneficial.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on the creation of a working group to prepare a cooperation agreement between the Vitebsk and Pskov regions. According to the Governor of the Pskov Region, special attention will be paid to economic cooperation during the development of the document. According to Andrey Turchak, the document may be signed as early as July.

A delegation from the Pskov region, led by Governor Andrey Turchak, is visiting the Vitebsk region today. After discussing issues of cross-border cooperation, the guests visited the agro-town of Novka and learned about the work of the agricultural joint-stock company "Rudakovo".

In January-March of the current year, trade turnover between the Vitebsk and Pskov regions amounted to $2.5 million. Compared to the same period in 2008, it decreased by 20%.-0-