The most sustainable ties between countries are built through the economy - the Swedish ambassador

The most sustainable ties between countries are built through the economy. This opinion was expressed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Republic of Belarus, Martin Oberg, today at a meeting at the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

During his conversation with Gennady Grebnev, First Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, the diplomat noted that his visit to the region is of an introductory nature. "I have been working in Belarus for three years, but this is my first official trip to the region. The main goal is to see for myself how Belarus lives. I am here to establish and develop contacts in the business sphere, as well as in education and culture," said the ambassador. - Currently, the trade turnover between our countries is very small compared to potential opportunities. Let's work, the most sustainable ties between countries are built through the economy."

Answering the diplomat's question about the region's development plans and which economic sectors are prioritized, Gennady Grebnev emphasized that the region is focusing on transport logistics and wood processing, and is actively modernizing the agro-industrial complex. As for the latter, it concerns the production of agricultural products. "Over the past 5-10 years, we have significantly updated processing enterprises and are now developing the raw material base. We are looking for investors and partners for the construction of modern livestock complexes," noted the first deputy chairman of the regional executive committee. The region cooperates with Sweden in historical and cultural projects. As for economic ties, the mutual trade turnover between the region and Sweden is $8 million. For comparison, Gennady Grebnev cited another figure - the region's trade turnover with the Pskov region is $15 million. "We need to intensify business contacts. Currently, the basis of economic ties is timber, which is supplied to Sweden. In addition, your companies buy spruce seeds from us. This is elite. The Glubokoye forestry enterprise is mainly involved in supplies," said the representative of the regional executive committee. Representatives of IKEA arrived in the Vitebsk region together with Martin Oberg.

They were also supposed to attend the

meeting, but they were late for it, as they were delayed in Orsha at the flax mill (the enterprise was first on the guests' visit program to the region). This circumstance was characterized by the ambassador as good news. "Representatives of IKEA, fortunately rather than unfortunately, were delayed at the Orsha flax mill," the diplomat said.

Martin Oberg emphasized that he was personally very impressed by the Orsha flax mill. "I didn't know that the enterprise already exports a lot to Sweden, though through Estonia. We hope that new connections will emerge specifically with the flax mill. I was a fan of the flax mill's products even before I came to Belarus. Before that, I was in Moscow, and Orsha flax is sold there, which we bought. And now, when buying gifts, we choose these products. We will visit some more of your companies. This will be beneficial for both you and us. I want us to be able to strengthen and expand economic ties between the countries," the diplomat said.

Speaking about potential cooperation opportunities, the ambassador noted: "You already have products that can compete in the Swedish market. The most important thing is for these producers to find partners who know the Swedish market and can sell your products there. Also, as we just discussed, there is potential in woodworking. We just need the right people from Sweden and Belarus to find each other, hold business negotiations, and reach agreements."

The Swedish delegation will stay in the Vitebsk region until October 1. In addition to visiting the Orsha flax mill, as well as official meetings at the regional executive committee and the Vitebsk city executive committee, the guests will visit Gymnasium No. 2 in Vitebsk. Visits to the Vitebsk enterprises "Chasprom", "Marko", "Vitebskiye Kovry", as well as the Technological University and VSU named after Masherov, and the exhibition center on Tolstoy Street are planned. On October 1, the guests will visit Polotsk - they will visit OJSC "Naftan" and Polotsk State University.

Alena Tikhonova - BELTA.