Opinions & Interviews

MOSCOW, 28 June (BelTA) – Regional cooperation plays a crucial role in fulfilling the economic potential of Belarus and Russia, Member of the Board (Minister) for Industry and Agribusiness of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Sergei Sidorsky told reporters when commenting on the forthcoming 4^th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, BelTA informs.

Sergei Sidorsky reminded that more than 10 years ago Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made a decision to develop cooperation not only with near-boarder regions but also with all regions of Russia. “It is clear that Belarus is now working with Sakhalin, Kamchatka Krai, Far East,” Sergei Sidorsky said. “Belarusian manufacturers are present in virtually all regions of Russia. It seems to me that the regional cooperation which was laid down by President Alexander Lukashenko has given a strong impulse, promoted the business activities of our economy.”

Speaking about the main topic of the forum, Sergei Sidorsky stressed that Belarus has always prioritized the innovative development of the economy. “Whatever critics say, they should not forget that Belarus has the most innovative economy on the post-Soviet space,” he said. “We have a task to raise the output of innovative products every year. If I am not mistaken innovative products accounted for more than 37% of the output last year. It means that the products are constantly renovated. The main thing is that we have a stable niche in mechanical engineering and machine-tool building.”

Sergei Sidorsky said that as the EEC minister he has recently finished the discussion of the engineering center development program with EAEU partners. “Russia is interested in turning such a Belarusian-Russian center into the foundation of the future development of the economy,” he said.

The 4^th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will take place in Moscow on 29-30 June. The upcoming plenary session will be themed around Belarus-Russia interregional partnership in high technology, innovations, and information society. The business program of the forum includes breakout sessions with the participation of businessmen and relevant ministries and agencies. The participants will discuss ways to advance the development of hi-tech competitive enterprises in Belarus and Russia, step up the cooperation in science and technology, and strengthen the role of information technology in the development of civil society institutions in the Belarus-Russia Union State. They will also consider problems and prospects associated with the harmonization of the laws in the integration context, and prospects for the cooperation between IT companies. The cooperation of towns and regions of Belarus and Russia and the possible expansion of business ties between the two countries will be in the center if attention.

The exhibition showcasing the joint Belarusian-Russian projects in the field of innovation and high technology, youth projects will be co-located with the forum. It will also present the trade, economic and investment potential of the regions of the two countries. A fair of Belarusian products will feature about 60 organizations of Belarus.

The Forum of Regions is designed to promote direct contacts between Belarusian and Russian executive and legislative authorities, business communities and to work out the recommendations for improving the legal framework in order to boost economic growth. The event is powered by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Council of the Federation of Russia's Federal Assembly.