Vitebsk region intends to intensify the creation of joint ventures with Russia - Nikolai Sherstnev

The Vitebsk region is interested not only in developing trade with Russia but also in establishing joint ventures with it. This was stated to journalists by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, during a comprehensive presentation of the Vitebsk region, which took place today in Moscow at the Business and Cultural Complex of the Embassy of Belarus in Russia.

"The Vitebsk region has been working with Russia for a long time, with practically all regions – in industry, agriculture, culture, education," said Nikolai Sherstnev. "There are practically no areas where we do not have common interests. We want to focus not just on trade with Russia, but on creating joint ventures, complementing each other's economies. Joint ventures are more stable in the market."

At the presentation, Nikolai Sherstnev noted that the region's enterprises export products worth $2.5 billion annually, of which one-third is science-intensive and high-tech. At the same time, every fifth ruble of export revenue is generated by organizations of the agro-industrial complex. The region pays special attention to the development of innovative technologies. Production of additives for lubricating oils is successfully operating, high-tech production of water treatment equipment, telescopic lifts, power and fiber optic cables, and a wide range of high-precision measuring and optical instruments has been established. The region's enterprises produce linen fabrics, acrylic fiber, glass fabrics, and dolomite flour. Moreover, as Nikolai Sherstnev emphasized, Vitebsk region is also the footwear capital of Belarus. The region is also an assembly site for the production of a wide range of electronics and mechanical engineering products.

What Nikolai Sherstnev said was supported by an exhibition that unfolded in the halls of the embassy complex. Export products and investment proposals were presented by enterprises of the FEZ "Vitebsk", the association "Vitebskprom", manufacturers of light industry products, high-precision optical equipment, medical devices, machine tool construction, water treatment and lifting equipment, radio electronics, and cable products.

A separate exhibition showcased the products of the food industry enterprises of the Vitebsk region, which the guests of the presentation were able to taste. In another thematic block, the cultural potential of the Vitebsk region was presented: 12th-century frescoes of the Polotsk Holy Euphrosyne Monastery, the works of Marc Chagall, Yudel Pen, contemporary Vitebsk artists, handwritten books, as well as ancient traditional costumes of the Vitebsk region. Master classes in weaving, braiding, embroidery, and other crafts were organized for the guests of the presentation.

Based on the results of the negotiations held during the presentation, cooperation agreements were signed between the Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Odintsovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Southern Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Moscow Region, as well as the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Employers).

The presentation of the Vitebsk region was attended by Russian parliamentarians, representatives of the governments of Moscow and the Moscow region, business circles, heads of some Russian regions and Moscow districts, cities and districts of the Moscow region, the Standing Committee of the Union State, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, and the Eurasian Economic Commission. The potential of the Vitebsk region was also assessed by the heads and representatives of more than 30 diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow.

The presentation was organized by the Vitebsk branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and the Embassy of Belarus in Russia.

BELTA. Photo by the Embassy of Belarus in Russia.