Vitebsk region signed cooperation agreements at the IV Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia
An agreement on partnership was concluded between the Brest Regional Executive Committee and the administration of the Penza region, an agreement on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation was concluded between the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and the administration of the Saratov region, and an agreement on cooperation was concluded between the Vitebsk region and the Stavropol Territory. In addition, a plan of measures to intensify cooperation between Belarus and the Bryansk region for 2017-2018 and a plan of measures to develop cooperation for 2017-2019 between the Brest region and the Bryansk region were signed.
As Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia Valentina Matvienko noted in an interview with journalists, accelerating Belarusian-Russian cooperation will allow successfully withstanding competition in global markets. The priority is the creation of high-tech industries. "The exhibition is of great interest to the heads of regions of Belarus and Russia, which indicates that everyone understands today: it is necessary not only to increase the volume of mutual trade, but also to move towards the creation of joint ventures, implement new large joint projects, and cooperate in the field of high technologies," she said.
In turn, Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich added that Belarus and Russia have good prospects for cooperation in industry and innovation. "We are competitive and can feel confident in global markets. It is noteworthy that companies from our countries are increasingly investing in joint ventures. These investments amount to billions of dollars a year. This is not just trade cooperation, these are innovative technologies that are finding application in our common Belarusian-Russian market," he stated.
The IV Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is taking place in Moscow on June 29-30. The main theme of the forum's plenary session will be the partnership of the regions of Belarus and Russia in the field of high technologies, innovations, and the information society. A meeting of the inter-parliamentary commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia on interregional cooperation will be held. The business program of the forum includes sectional meetings with the participation of relevant ministries and departments, and representatives of businesses from both countries. They will consider opportunities for stimulating the development of high-tech competitive industries in Belarus and Russia, scientific and technical cooperation, the role of information technologies in the development of civil society institutions of the Union State, problems and prospects for harmonizing legislation in the context of integration development, as well as prospects for partnership of IT companies. The focus will also be on issues of cooperation between cities and regions of Belarus and Russia, and opportunities for expanding business ties between the countries.
During the forum, an exhibition will be held, showcasing joint Belarusian-Russian projects in the field of innovation and high technologies, as well as youth projects. The trade, economic, and investment potential of the regions of the two countries will also be presented here. During the forum days, a fair for the sale of Belarusian products will also operate, with the participation of about 60 organizations.
The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is organized with the aim of promoting the expansion of direct contacts between the countries, including through legislative and executive branches of government, and business circles, as well as developing recommendations for improving the regulatory legal framework for the accelerated development of the economies of the two states. The event is held under the auspices of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia.
Photo: Governor of the Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov and Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Nikolai Sherstnev.