Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 19 March (BelTA) – Amid the growing economic globalization Gomel Oblast is able to become a new investment corridor for international business, Gomel Oblast Governor Vladimir Dvornik said at the Congress of Free & Special Economic Zones of Northern & Eastern Europe in Gomel on 19 March, BelTA has learned.

According to Vladimir Dvornik, the intention of the oblast to become an investment platform for productive doing business is supported by its favorable geographic position, effective operation of the FEZ Gomel Raton in cooperation with the Gomel Office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the region’s industrial potential. “Gomel Oblast is home to almost 300 companies that account for one fifth of the nationwide industrial production. Last year they produced $13.5 billion worth of industrial products. Direct investment in the region totaled $240 million,” the governor stressed.

One of Gomel Oblast main riches is the human capital which potential can secure economic efficiency through the application of new knowledge, technology and management methods. “Foreign investors should also see the true value of the stable political situation in the country, safe market laws, the system of state guarantees in respect to business and investment,” Vladimir Dvornik said.

The idea that the free economic zones of Belarus might become mediators in the economic cooperation between the two huge markets – Europe and Russia – was voiced by President of the World Federation of Free and Special Economic Zones (FEMOZA) Juan Torrents on 19 March. The head of the authoritative international organization that unites free economic zones in more than 70 countries noted that the congress in Gomel should lay foundation for the creation of the Eastern corridor for investment.

The Congress of Free & Special Economic Zones of Northern & Eastern Europe in Gomel organized under the auspices of the World Federation of Free and Special Economic Zones (FEMOZA) is underway in Gomel on 19-20 March. The congress will highlight the best practices of Belarusian and foreign free economic zones, issues related to the activity in free economic zones, including the trends in transport logistics development, cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry and free economic zones as a factor of enhancing the competitive edge of the regions. The program of the congress envisages meetings between strategic partners to discuss the possibility of establishing joint business.