The main topic will be the role of interregional cooperation in deepening integration processes within the framework of the Union State. Vitebsk region will take an active part in the forum. Preparations for this annual large-scale event have been underway in advance.
As reported by the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Economy Committee, a number of bilateral documents have already been signed since the beginning of the current year. These include a protocol of intent for cooperation between the Republic of Tyva of the Russian Federation and the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee; an agreement on establishing twin-city relations between Orsha District and the city of Tver; an agreement on cooperation between Vitebsk State University named after P. M. Masherov and the P. F. Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health (Saint Petersburg); an agreement on cooperation between Vitebsk State Technological University and the Bryansk branch of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.
A number of agreements on economic cooperation are to be signed during the forum. An Agreement between the Government of Penza Oblast and the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee on the implementation of international and foreign economic relations in the trade, economic, scientific, technical, and humanitarian spheres is planned for signing these days. A roadmap for 2022–2025 for the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Saratov Oblast and the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee on cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and other spheres has also been prepared. An Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee and the administration of Ostrovsky District of Pskov Oblast is expected to be concluded.
Direct ties are also strengthened by economic entities. During the preparation for the IX Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, 28 enterprises of the region have already signed 142 commercial contracts. The amount of projected exports is 3.8 billion Russian rubles and 3 million US dollars. By the way, during the preparation and holding of last year's forum of the regions of our countries, 22 economic entities of Vitebsk region signed 159 export commercial contracts worth 53.3 million US dollars. Year after year, forum after forum, the order portfolio becomes heavier.
In general, Vitebsk region maintains foreign trade relations with 95 countries worldwide. The share of the Russian Federation in turnover is 68.3 percent, including 35.7 percent in exports and [figure missing] percent in imports.
— 87.9 percent.
Vitebsk Region to Sign a Number of Agreements at the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia in Grodno
01/07/20220 views
According to the results of January-March this year, our enterprises ensured a trade turnover with the regions of the Russian Federation amounting to 1.3 billion dollars, with product exports reaching 248.9 million dollars (growth rate compared to January-March 2021 – 102.4 percent).
Since the beginning of the year, cooperation has been carried out with all federal districts of the Russian Federation, and export-import operations have been conducted with 75 regions. The nearest regions of the Central Federal District, including Moscow, accounted for 65 percent of exports.
Consumer goods prevail in the structure of exports to the neighbouring country – 43.8 percent, of which food products constitute 23.2 percent. Intermediate goods accounted for 42.4 percent of exports, and investment goods – 8.2 percent. The annual volume of food exports to the Russian Federation is about 280 million dollars. Enterprises of the Vitebsk region primarily supply petrochemical products (polyethylene, chemical fibres, fibreglass), dairy products, knitwear and garments, carpets, footwear, linen fabrics, and machine tools to Russia. In turn, we import petroleum products, chemical products, grain, metals, leather, textile raw materials, consumer goods, and equipment from there.
Great attention is paid to strengthening the interregional contractual base with Russian partners; 26 bilateral agreements of the regional executive committee and over 100 agreements of districts and cities of the Vitebsk region with the corresponding territorial entities of Russia are in effect. Interregional work with the regions of the neighbouring country specifies mutual measures in both economic and social spheres, allowing for the continuous maintenance of dialogue between economic entities.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by