Business news

MINSK, 21 May (BelTA) - Belarus and Bryansk Oblast of Russia intend to reach the mark of $1 billion in mutual trade in 2015, head of the Belgospishcheprom food industry concern Alexander Zabello said during the presentation of Bryansk’ foreign trade opportunities in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

"I am here not only as the leader of the Belgospishcheprom, but as the head of the working group on the relations between Belarus and Bryansk Oblast of Russia. Our relations have been increasingly vibrant, and this year we are planning to reach the mark of $1 billion in our mutual trade,” Alexander Zabello said.

He recalled that in 2014, there was every reason to increase the mutual trade to $1 billion. But it did not happen due to the economic issues in Russia and Belarus, he explained.

Alexander Zabello stressed that Belarus’ trade with Bryansk Oblast is dozens times higher than the trade with a number of other countries, including European ones.

On 21 May Minsk hosted the session of the working group on cooperation between Belarus and Bryansk Oblast. The parties signed an action plan to enhance cooperation in 2015-2016. "Apart from the economy, the document covers a number of issues of the social, health, education, science and tourism sectors. We and Bryansk Oblast are not just trading partners. Our relationship is much broader,” Alexander Zabello noted.