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Cooperation between Belarus, Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast described as impressive

Gleb Nikitin

NIZHNY NOVGOROD,22 November (BelTA) -  Governor of Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Gleb Nikitin sketched out the prospects of cooperation between Belarus and the Russian region as he talked to the media after a meeting of the Business Cooperation Council of the Republic of Belarus and the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, BelTA has learned. 

"We seek to support projects that create new products and jobs (both in the Republic of Belarus and in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast). All these projects are cross-sectoral. For example, the production of elevators in Kstovo. Indeed, it's an industrial project. A total of RUB800 million has been invested into the  production capacities. But this is also an opportunity to timely meet the needs of the Nizhny Novgorod Capital Repair Fund, which is the country’s biggest buyer of elevators. The rate of localization is 50%, including thanks to a joint venture with the Republic of Belarus. Tractors, their localization and overhaul are a great help to farmers and agriculture. In other words, it's not just manufacturing sector. We will implement similar projects in information technology and agriculture," Governor Gleb Nikitin said.

He added: "We are always open to new solutions. In some cases, we will simply borrow good solutions from our Belarusian partners without localization. For example, I have been briefed on livestock complexes. We have looked at the projects that have already been implemented in other regions. We will work on them next year. We have a lot of such products that can also be the subject of procurement programs, not only localization. We supply auto components to Belarus and also buy from them too. In fact, many products are largely jointly made."

Gleb Nikitin also touched on humanitarian cooperation: "Over the past three years, we have seen a 25% annual increase in the tourist flow from Belarus to Nizhny Novgorod. We estimate that more than 20,000 Belarusians will visit the city of Nizhny Novgorod for tourist purposes by the end of this year. The launch of the air service in March has contributed to this too. The flight seat occupancy rate is at 70%. The flight has already transported 11,000 people between Nizhny Novgorod and Minsk. We have more ideas regarding humanitarian exchanges in education and upbringing of our youth. Prospects are great here."

"The pace is really impressive, including in terms of the introduction of new products. This became possible only thanks to the personal attention of the Belarusian head of government. The fact that Mr Prime Minister agreed to lead the Belarusian part in the business cooperation council once again emphasizes our great prospects. We will continue to work for the benefit of the Belarusian and Russian peoples," the governor of the region concluded.

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