Business news

BREST, 19 April (BelTA) – Slovakia sees good prospects in wood processing, agricultural cooperation with Brest Oblast, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovakia Jozef Migas said as he met with Chairman of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee Anatoly Lis on 19 April, BelTA has learned.

“There are no problems between Slovakia and Belarus. We need to think about the work in new conditions. Slovakia-Belarus relations should be increasingly vibrant. It is needed to update the agenda at the national and inter-regional levels. After that, we will determine priorities and create the roadmap,” Jozef Migas stressed.

He added that before the visit he had analyzed the potential and advantages of Brest Oblast. In particular, Slovak businessmen are interested in wood processing cooperation. Plans have been made to build a new wood processing enterprise or renovate an existing one. The cutting-edge production facility envisages non-waste production.

“We have raw materials. If we have to import timber from other regions or Russia, we are ready to consider these cooperation scenarios. In fact, there can be proposals in various fields. We are interested in setting up joint ventures, private enterprises, attracting foreign investments to the region,” Anatoly Lis said.

Brest Oblast and Slovak regions are also interested in logistics and agriculture. “We understand that Belarus has well-developed agriculture. We have huge experience in animal husbandry. We can use our best practices for common benefit,” the diplomat said.

Anatoly Lis agreed with Jozef Migas that there is a huge untapped cooperation potential. In 2015, the bilateral trade of Brest Oblast and Slovakia made up about $5 million, there was a trade deficit. Brest Oblast enterprises exported timber, plywood, chip board, fireproof cabinets. The Belarusian region imported foodstuffs, textiles, medications, ferrous materials, carbides from Slovakia.

The delegation of Slovakia pays a three-day visit to Brest Oblast. Foreign businessmen visit the enterprises they want to cooperate with.