MINSK, 28 September (BelTA) – An intergovernmental action program to develop trade, economic, sci-tech and cultural cooperation in 2012-2014 was signed at a meeting between Belarus Vice Premier Mikhail Rusy and Astrakhan Oblast Governor Alexander Zhilkin on 27 September, BelTA has learnt. Belarus and Astrakhan Oblast defined further joint actions in the economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational sectors, Mikhail Rusy stressed. “Today we have signed an intergovernmental program for joint actions in all this areas,” he said. Astrakhan is rich in fish which is of a particular interest for Belarus, Mikhail Rusy said. Astrakhan Oblast offers Belarus two platforms, apart from Astrakhan, to work with third countries. There are plans to set up joint companies in mechanic engineering, road equipment and transport logistics. “Industry Minister Dmitry Katerinich will supervise it on Belarus’ behalf. A program of concrete steps will be developed within the next three months. We are ready to share our experience in the agro-industrial development and are grateful to our colleagues from Astrakhan for their readiness to support our sheep husbandry. Today we have 52,000 sheep while we plan a stock of 250,000. I think that we will be able to meet this target with the help of our colleagues,” Mikhail Rusy said. He stressed that the delegation of Astrakhan Oblast comprised both government representatives and businessmen of the region. “I believe that in the near future we will work out concrete proposals to double, and even triple, our mutual trade within the next two years. This task is achievable,” the Belarusian official said. A delegation of Astrakhan Oblast, the Russian Federation, led by Governor Alexander Zhilkin is in Belarus on an official visit on 26-29 September. The Russian delegation has so far made tours of a number of Belarusian companies: Amkodor, Belryba, Minsk Automobile Plant, Dzerzhinsky farm and a multifunctional cultural and sports complex Minsk Arena. Russian guests also took part in a joint business matchmaking session. In January-July 2012 the trade between Belarus and Astrakhan Oblast totaled $14.6 million, up 44.6% over the same months in 2011. Exports increased by 44.2% to $7.5 million, imports rose 44.9% to $7.1 million. Belarus posted $0.4 million trade surplus. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
