Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 June (BelTA) - Belarus and Russia need joint programs on import substitution and interregional cooperation, First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko said after the 50th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Belarus-Russia Union State, BelTA has learned.

“We still have not achieved equal conditions for our economic entities and have not created a common market for our goods and services. In the context of the economic crisis we worked alone on many of the issues. Today the Union State MPs suggested developing joint programs on import substitution and interregional cooperation,” Vladimir Andreichenko said.

According to him, many issues can be successfully addressed at the level of the heads of the Russian and Belarusian regions and enterprises. This helps avoid bureaucracy and lengthy coordination, as was highlighted at the third Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.

Vladimir Andreichenko also urged to intensify people's diplomacy. “We need more cultural festivals, especially in border regions, tourist and sporting events,” he said.