Business news

MOGILEV, 15 February (BelTA) – Trade between Belarus’ Mogilev Oblast and France grew by 40% in 2017 to hit the $10 million mark, Andrei Kuntsevich, Deputy Chairman of the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee, noted at the opening of the third Belarusian-French business forum in Mogilev on 15 February, BelTA informs.

France traditionally is a stable trading partner of Mogilev Oblast. The country’s share in Mogilev Oblast’s trade with non-CIS countries grew significantly lately and made up 1.3% in 2017. The most in-demand products exported to France were furniture, vegetables, wood products, and other woodworking products.

“In my opinion, today’s meeting will make a remarkable contribution to our bilateral cooperation. Our regions have a great economic potential and a long track record of cooperation in all kinds of fields. It is important today to stimulate mutual investments, launch promising innovative projects, and expand opportunities for direct contacts between commercial entities,” Andrei Kuntsevich remarked.

He expressed confidence that the business forum will be constructive and all the discussions will help the sides hold a mutually beneficial dialogue. “There is no doubt that the proposals and initiatives to be brought forward today will open up new horizons in the development of Mogilev Oblast-France partnership,” he said.

The business forum brought together representatives of local authorities, the FEZ Mogilev, the Mogilev Customs, and Mogilev-based companies. The French delegation comprises businessmen working in wood processing, light and good industry, finance, housing construction, and other fields.

The French guests explored the economic opportunities of Mogilev Oblast and the FEZ Mogilev. They are set to learn more about the Belarusian business environment and customs policy, conduct negotiations and discuss proposals on possible negotiations with Belarusian partners. The French delegation will also visit the companies Mogotex, Babushkina Krynka, and also the Domostroenie branch of the Shklov-based newsprint mill.