Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in the development of cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with UNIDO Deputy Director General Hiroshi Kuniyoshi on 22 February, BelTA informs.

Mikhail Myasnikovich emphasized Belarus’ interest in the development of cooperation with UNIDO. “We are not WTO members yet, we do not have a program with the IMF. In this regard, the cooperation within the framework of the UN organization is very important, and we count on UNIDO’s support,” the chairman of the Council of the Republic said. In his opinion, it would help raise the efficiency of integration processes. “Belarus draws much attention to the issues connected with regional cooperation, first of all, with the EAEU,” he added.

The chairman of the Council of the Republic spoke in favor of a more active role of UNIDO in terms of global integration processes. He is convinced that its potential should be used in full.

The meeting focused on the promising avenues of cooperation between Belarus and UNIDO. It was mentioned that as a n industrially developed country Belarus prioritizes the formation of the fifth, sixth technological paradigms in its investment and innovative development.

Belarus has been involved in UNIDO’s activities since 1985. During its membership in UNIDO the country has implemented a number of important projects to improve the infrastructure of promoting innovative activities, technology transfer. A framework program of cooperation between the Belarusian government and UNIDO for 2013-2017 was signed in 2013. It is an institutional basis for the expansion of the program activities of UNIDO in the country which outlines the avenues of joint work taking into account the priorities of Belarus’ social and economic development.

The priorities of cooperation also include resource saving and clean production, energy efficiency, innovations, promotion of investments and technology transfer, development of SMEs, strengthening of agriculture, food production, and car manufacturing.