Business news

BREST, 14 March (BelTA) - Enterprises of Brest Oblast are interested in cooperation with French companies, Chairman of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee Anatoly Lis said as he met with French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belarus Dominique Gazuy, BelTA has learned.

Introducing the guest to the economic potential of the region, Anatoly Lis emphasized the achievements of Brest Oblast in the meat and dairy industry. Many types of products are now known far outside Belarus, including in the countries of the European Union. Brest ranks first in the country by volume of milk production per capita. In 2015 it produced more than 1.4 million tonnes, more than one tonne per resident of Brest Oblast. In addition, the region also produces large quantities of pork, beef, and poultry. Recently, much attention has been paid to the canning industry, processing of fruits and vegetables.

“The agricultural sector is very important to us. Therefore, we would like to assimilate new technologies of deep processing of raw materials, manufacturing new types of products, with big shelf life. “Your country has the technologies; we have advantageous geographical position, available manufacturing sites, highly skilled staff. We are ready for cooperation and would like to develop it by introducing technology, setting up joint ventures,” said the Governor.

Cooperation between French and Belarusian business in the pharmaceutical industry can be promising too, Anatoly Lis believes. He suggested using the investment platform of Free Economic Zone Brest. “Being a transit region Brest Oblast focuses on such business as roadside service, transportation and logistics services. We are ready to consider any suggestions from your side, and organize meetings with interested parties for more substantive discussion of cooperation,” the Governor said. He invited the representatives of the French business community to participate in the 1st International Forum of Business Contacts Brest 2016.

In 2015 the foreign trade between Brest Oblast and France totaled $26.6 million, up 10.1% from 2014. Brest Oblast had a deficit. The region operates six companies with French participation. Ambassador Dominique Gazuy expressed the hope that a long-planned visit to Belarus of French businessmen will be carried out in the near future. “French enterprises, especially small and medium business, often exhibit restraint. It is important that they get acquainted, not in words but in deeds, with the possibilities for cooperation in Belarus. There is a movement, and this movement is in a good direction. But, of course, it would be good if it were faster,” added the Ambassador.

During her two-day visit to Brest Oblast the Ambassador of France plans to meet with the heads of the Free Economic Zone Brest and the Brest branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visit Savushkin Product dairy, Santa Bremor fish processing company, the Museum of the Nemtsevichis. Ambassador Dominique Gazuy also intends to take a stroll along the main pedestrian street of Brest and watch the ceremony of lighting street lamps.