Dominique Gazuy, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Belarus, visited Vitebsk
Issues of trade and economic relations were also touched upon. Over the last 5 years, they have been stable, with an annual turnover between the Dvina region and France amounting to 20-25 million dollars. In 2014, our supplies of timber and linen fabrics increased.
This is the first visit to our region by the new head of the diplomatic corps, appointed to this post in the autumn of last year. Vitebsk, as emphasized at the meeting between Ms. Dominique Gazuy and the leadership of the region and the city by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Oleg Matskevich, although located in the north of Belarus, is inhabited by warm-hearted, hospitable people who always welcome guests with special warmth. The Ambassador of the country, with which Vitebsk has special relations, primarily in the sphere of culture, was able to convince herself of this. The topic of cooperation in projects related to the name of Marc Chagall was discussed during the business conversation at the Regional Executive Committee. The French side could take part in the creation of the artist's quarter and the formation of the exposition of the art school founded by him at the beginning of the last century, now the Museum of Modern Art.
Issues of trade and economic relations were also touched upon. Over the last 5 years, they have been stable, with an annual turnover between the Dvina region and France amounting to 20-25 million dollars. In 2014, our supplies of timber and linen fabrics increased, and we import chemical reagents, equipment, and medicines. However, there is currently not a single enterprise with French capital participation in the Vitebsk region.
The "Vitebsk" free economic zone offers significant privileges for foreign investors. A visit to the enterprises operating there was part of the ambassador's itinerary. Dominique Gazuy visited several resident enterprises of the FEZ. She was particularly impressed by the modern production facilities at SOOO "Fortex – Water Technologies" and OOO "Belle Bimbo".
One of the promising areas for cooperation is the flax industry. France has experience in cultivating this crop in other countries and produces high-quality equipment. We have the largest flax mill in Belarus and land suitable for jointly growing quality raw materials. Projects in logistics and other areas are being developed. Consideration should also be given to increasing the number of French twin cities; currently, Orsha and Glubokoye have one each, and Novopolotsk has two.
All these topics were discussed at a meeting in the regional executive committee, which was attended by the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Viktor Nikolaikin, who spoke about the attractiveness of the city on the Dvina River.
Ms. Dominique Gazuy also visited Gymnasium No. 9 with an in-depth study of the French language, the Art Museum, and today will visit the Art Center and the Marc Chagall House-Museum.
Tatyana Pasternak, "Vitebskiye Vesti"