The trade turnover between Belarus and Latvia in January-February increased by more than 3.5 times

March 29, Novopolotsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Trade turnover between Belarus and Latvia in January-February of the current year has increased more than 3.5 times. This was announced today at the First Belarusian-Latvian Forum of Twin Cities by the Ambassador of Belarus to Latvia, Alexander Gerasimenko, BELTA correspondent reports. Latvia is Belarus's most important trade and economic partner, Alexander Gerasimenko emphasized. Last year alone, 82 joint ventures with Belarusian capital were additionally established in Latvia (currently there are over 500 of them), and in Belarus - 63 enterprises with Latvian capital (377 respectively). The main transit corridor of Belarus runs through Latvia: 57% of Belarusian land cargo is transported through it, and ports are 30% occupied with transshipment of our goods. In addition, Latvia is one of Belarus's main investment partners. Last year, Latvia's investments in Belarus amounted to $118.5 million, with about half of them being direct investments. In total, over the past five years, investments have reached $700 million. "All this speaks of the huge desire of businessmen of the two countries to cooperate, they see mutual benefit in it," said Alexander Gerasimenko. According to him, representatives of Latvian business were categorically against sanctions against Belarus, and made such statements in the European business community. The diplomat expressed confidence that Belarus and Latvia will find ways to continue actively developing joint trade and economic ties, and urged representatives of local authorities and businesses to use all opportunities to establish contacts between regions and deepen cooperation. -0-