GOMEL, 31 March (BelTA) – In 2016, the trade between Belarus and Russia’s Bryansk Oblast went up by 14% as against 2015, Bryansk Oblast Deputy Governor Mikhail Kobozev told reporters as he attended the celebrations of the Day of Unity of Peoples of Belarus and Russia in Gomel on 31 March, BelTA has learned.
Mikhail Kobozev noted that Bryansk Oblast and Belarus have established strong and reliable relations. Despite the economic difficulties, they managed to increase the trade by 14%. Belarus’ Gomel Oblast accounted for 35% of the total trade volume due to the fact that the near-border regions are the key strategic partners of Bryansk Oblast in terms of social and economic development. “The relations will continue growing stronger this year. The results of our trade in Q1 2017 that increased by 3.6 times as against the same period last year give reason to think so,” Mikhail Kobozev said.
He sees great prospects for growth in the establishment of joint ventures. He cited Bryanskselmash as an example of successful cooperation. The enterprise has recently boosted its output considerably. Its products enjoy demand in the domestic and foreign markets. Mikhail Kobozev pointed out that the Russian and Belarusian partners are considering joint projects in agriculture and tourism.
Belarus’ Gomel Oblast cooperates with Russia in a number of areas. Bryansk Oblast, Moscow Oblast and Moscow are among the key trading partners. Belarusian Steel Works, Gomselmash, Rogachev Milk Canning Plant, Milkavita, Gomelsteklo, Spartak, and Mozyrsalt are among the companies that maintain close cooperation with Russia.
The Gomel Regional Drama Theater hosted a solemn meeting and concert to celebrate the Day of Unity of Peoples of Belarus and Russia on 31 March. The event was attended by the Gomel Oblast authorities, a delegation of Bryansk Oblast, representatives of workers’ associations, students, veterans of the Great Patriotic War and others. The participants were invited to enjoy an exhibition of national costumes arranged jointly by Belarus’ Gomel Oblast and Russia’s Bryansk Oblast.