Business news

MINSK, 19 April (BelTA) – The ninth meeting of the Belarusian-Czech mixed commission on economic, industrial and sci-tech cooperation will take place in Prague on 16-17 May, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevgeny Shestakov said at the Belarusian-Czech business forum in Minsk on 19 April, BelTA has learned.

“On 16-17 May Prague will play host to a meeting of the Belarusian-Czech mixed commission on economic, industrial and sci-tech cooperation. The mixed commission and its six working groups are ready to consider any business proposals regarding both the implementation of concrete projects and the improvement of doing business conditions on the territory of the two countries, as well as the search for possible partners,” said Yevgeny Shestakov.

In his words, all Belarusian-Czech projects will be given all possible support at the interstate level. “Our economic cooperation with the Czech Republic is traditionally a priority one, and we believe that it is the main element for further development,” the deputy minister said.

Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vyacheslav Bril told the media that the trade between Belarus and the Czech Republic totaled $280 million in 2016. This figure should be increased through efforts to working on marketing, prices and product promotion. There are many areas of common interest to set up joint companies, in particular in the area of manufacturing automobile parts and high-tech products.

Executive Director, member of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce an Industry for the CIS Countries Frantisek Masopust stated that Belarus is close enough for Czech businessmen to come. “Belarus is very interesting for us. It is closer and easer to understand than other post-Soviet countries,” he said. The country is also of interest as it makes part of the Eurasian Economic Union. It is possible to enter the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan through Belarus. Frantisek Masopust is confident that the future is in investment, localization, joint companies, a search for ways of a joint access to third markets.

The Minsk office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce an Industry for the CIS Countries (Czech Republic) are co-hosting the Belarusian-Czech business forum and a business matchmaking session with representatives of Czech companies. The forum in Minsk mainly features companies specializing in the areas of construction, production of building materials, consulting, and export promotion services.

Belarus and the Czech Republic enjoy close cooperation in the economic area. The countries hold up to five joint events every year, including visits of various levels, participation in exhibitions, business matchmaking sessions.