GOMEL, 24 May (BelTA) – A memorandum on interregional cooperation between Gomel Oblast and Uzbekistan’s Fergana Oblast was signed during the 16th Gomel Economic Forum on 24 May, BelTA has learned.
The document was signed by Gomel Oblast Acting Governor, First Deputy Chairman of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Gennady Solovei and Fergana Oblast Deputy Governor for Investments, Innovations, and Tourism Mukhsinkhudzha Abdurakhmonov.
Relations between the regions and the countries grow stronger every year. Gennady Solovei said: “For more than 25 years Belarus and Uzbekistan have maintained tight friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. Among other things new points of growth are emerging in Gomel Oblast’s interaction with the private sector and the government of this sunny country. In 2018 foreign direct investments in our region increased by 114 times.” The agreement on implementing a project to make forage harvesters together with Khorezm Oblast is also important for the Belarusian top harvester manufacturer Gomselmash.
The sides are confident that the memorandum of cooperation between Gomel Oblast and Fergana Oblast will contribute to the further advancement of relations. “The signing of the agreement will become another step towards stronger relations in various areas. Trade between our regions will also grow,” Mukhsinkhudzha Abdurakhmonov said. He stressed that Fergana Oblast is home to about 3.7 million people and is a major supplier of fruits and vegetables. Oil industry and chemical industry are also developed well in Fergana Oblast.
Participants of the first Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan, which is due in Minsk in August, will also be able to find many contact points.
An agreement on establishing friendly ties and twinning Mozyr District in Gomel Oblast with Vulcanesti District in Moldova was also signed on 24 May. The intention was confirmed by Chairwoman of the Mozyr District Executive Committee Yelena Pavlechko and the deputy head of the Vulcanesti District administration Ivan Gaidarzhi.
The deputy head of the Vulcanesti District administration said he hopes that the document would become the beginning of close and mutually beneficial relations between the two regions and would allow establishing economic and cultural ties. “Our district grows fruits and vegetables. Winegrowing and winemaking are well developed. We would be happy to share these riches with you,” he assured. Gomel residents and tourists will also be able to take a closer look at traditions of this country during Moldovan Days in Gomel Oblast.
Over 220 international agreements and protocols on cooperation have been signed in Gomel Oblast so far.
This year’s forum has brought together representatives of 28 countries. Investment documents worth over $130 million were signed on 24 May. In the course of sectoral sessions potential investors were informed about projects, which are earmarked for implementation in the region. Getting familiar with the region’s investment and economic potential, participants of the forum also visited the 20th international expo Spring in Gomel, which is taking place in the oblast capital till 26 May.