Vitebsk region proposed cooperation with Iran in the pharmaceutical industry

The Vitebsk region has proposed that Iran create cooperative chains in the pharmaceutical sector. This information was shared at a meeting between the region's leadership and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Belarus, Alireza Sanei.

"Regarding pharmaceuticals, we would be interested in your expertise here. We are ready to cooperate with your enterprises, as a pharmaceutical cluster has been established in the region. We are constantly improving and developing new types of products, including in pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicine. Knowing Iran's experience in this area, we would be interested in cooperating specifically in partnership with Iranian manufacturers," said Anzhelika Nikitina, Deputy Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

The northern region of Belarus has a sufficient range of products it is ready to offer to potential Iranian partners. In particular, petrochemical products, which account for almost 50% of the industrial production volume, ranging from fiberglass to oil additives. "We would like to continue working on the supply of these products and enhance our expertise in Iran in terms of product range," she added. "Our enterprises actively supply timber to the Iranian market, but there are other types of products that we would be interested in supplying: wood-based panels, laminate flooring, and various types of furniture, including for equipping state-funded organizations (schools, kindergartens)."

The region can offer food products, as well as carpets, footwear, and linen products to the Iranian side.

"Previously, we supplied machine tools to your country. The Vitebsk region has expertise in machine tool and machine-building industries. Our machine-tool building enterprises, such as 'Vistan' and 'Krasny Borets,' are already known in your country," noted Anzhelika Nikitina. "We can resume this work with you."

The Vitebsk region also proposed to formalize interregional contacts at the level of provinces and regions.

Alexander Subbotin, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, urged that, despite the ambassador's visit being of an introductory nature, "everything should be immediately translated into a more practical format" and the number of meetings should be increased manifold. "We have many areas for cooperation: investment projects, trade. We must cooperate in the fields of education, culture, and science," he pointed out.

The relations between Vitebsk region and Iran hold immense promise, added the head of the northern region. He assured that they would be open to any proposals and initiatives.

Since 2022, there has been a manifold increase in trade turnover between Vitebsk region and Iran, which is due to the need to build new logistics options for export cargo. Among the new types of products previously not supplied to Iran are fiberglass fabrics, wood-based panels, and various types of acids and reagents. Vitebsk region continues to supply timber to Iran, accounting for 49% of the trade turnover. The region purchases fresh fruits and vegetables, which constitute 98% of all purchases from this country, and medical equipment.

vitebsk-region.gov.by