Region

Russia’s Bryansk Oblast interested in agribusiness cooperation with Gomel Oblast 

GOMEL(BelTA) – There are great prospects for future cooperation between Gomel Oblast and Russia’s Bryansk Oblast. Bryansk Oblast Vice Governor Yuri Mokrenko made the relevant statement during the solemn meeting held in Gomel on 2 April on the occasion of the Day of Unity of Peoples of Belarus and Russia, BelTA has learned. Yuri Mokrenko noted that cooperation between Bryansk Oblast and Gomel Oblast covers virtually all spheres. Relations grow stronger in various fields. Bilateral trade is on the rise. Transboundary cooperation and tourism grow stronger. The development of the common information space progresses nicely. “I am convinced that our regions have great prospects for further cooperation. We are interested in expanding partnership in industrial, scientific, technical, and agrarian sectors of the economy, in culture, education, and sport,” said Yuri Mokrenko. In his opinion, events like the Gomel Economic Forum, the Slavonic International Economic Forum in Bryansk, the international expo Spring in Gomel, and the international festivals Slavonic Unity and Slavonic Theater Meetings help advance good neighborly relations across the board. According to Gomel Oblast Vice Governor Vladimir Privalov, the Russian Federation has always been and will remain the main foreign trade partner of the Belarusian region. Russia accounts for over 62% of Gomel Oblast’s trade. Last year the top export destinations were Bryansk Oblast, Moscow Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. The main exports were ferrous metals, agricultural machines, meat and dairy products. The Belarusian steel mill BMZ is the top trader with Russian partners. The company accounts for over 60% of the total trade turnover. Gomselmash, Belorusneft, Gomelcable, Gomel Chemical Plant, Mozyr Oil Refinery, and many other companies actively work with Russia, too. Interregional cooperation advances, too. Gomel Oblast and Russian regions have signed 27 agreements on trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Towns and districts in Gomel Oblast have signed 72 agreements on partnerships and twinning ties with Russian population centers. Scientific, technical, educational, cultural, sport ties and other ties are successful. Taking part in the solemn meeting and a solemn concert in the Gomel Oblast Drama Theater were top officials of the Gomel Oblast administration, a Bryansk Oblast delegation, representatives of labor collectives, intelligentsia, university students, Great Patriotic War veterans, and labor veterans. Concert numbers were staged by performance groups from Gomel Oblast and Bryansk Oblast.