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Belarus getting more attractive for the UK as investment destination, Ambassador says

GRODNO, 11 October (BelTA) - Belarus is becoming more attractive for the UK as an investment destination, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UK in Belarus Bruce Bucknell told reporters in Grodno where he is now on a working visit. A meeting in the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee focused on the potential for cooperation between the UK and the region. According to Bruce Bucknell, so far the economic cooperation with Grodno Oblast is not too active. At the same time in other regions of Belarus there are good examples of the dynamic work. Thanks to the Customs Union, stressed the Ambassador, the interest in Belarus and, in particular, in Grodno Oblast on the part of the UK will be increasing. These can be business projects, tourism, etc. The main goal of the visit of the diplomat to Grodno is to get familiar with the region and the prospects for economic cooperation. The Ambassador is set to visit the free economic zone Grodnoinvest to study the experience of foreign companies in the region. The meeting also discussed the cooperation with the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno as part of international technical assistance programs. In January-August 2012 the trade of Grodno Oblast with the UK was about $14.8 million (up 0.1%), export reached $756.4 million, import more than $14 million. Main export items were binoculars, monoculars and rangefinders (by Beltex Optic), clothing (Belkredo), portable lamps and equipment for broadcasting. Major imports were artificial filament, agricultural, horticultural and forestry equipment, products made of ferrous metals, medical equipment, lubricants, etc. There are 14 organizations with the capital from the United Kingdom in Grodno Oblast.

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