On March 29, Novopolotsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. The trade turnover between Belarus and Latvia for January-February of the current year has increased by more than 3.5 times. This was announced today at the First Belarusian-Latvian Forum of Twin Cities by the Ambassador of Belarus to Latvia, Alexander Gerasimenko, BELTA correspondent reports. Latvia is Belarus's most important trade and economic partner, Alexander Gerasimenko emphasized. Last year alone, an additional 82 joint ventures with Belarusian capital were established in Latvia (now there are over 500 of them), and in Belarus - 63 enterprises with Latvian capital (377 respectively). The main transit corridor of Belarus passes through Latvia: 57% of Belarusian land cargo is transported, and ports are 30% occupied by transshipment of our goods. In addition, Latvia is one of Belarus's main investment partners. Last year, Latvia's investments in Belarus amounted to $118.5 million, about half of which were direct investments. In total, over the past five years, investments have reached $700 million. "All this speaks of the huge desire of businessmen of both countries to cooperate, they see mutual benefit in this," said Alexander Gerasimenko. According to him, representatives of Latvian business were categorically against sanctions against Belarus and made such statements in the European business community. The diplomat expressed confidence that Belarus and Latvia will find ways to continue actively developing joint trade and economic ties, and urged representatives of local authorities and businesses to use all opportunities to establish contacts between regions and deepen cooperation. -0-

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