SMOLENSK, 21 October (BelTA) – The Customs Union and the Single Economic Space will give a new impetus to economic contacts between Belarusian and Russian regions, Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets and Governor of Smolensk Oblast Sergey Antufyev told a press conference. The Customs Union and the SES have opened vast prospects for joint ventures, trade, cooperation in machine building, agriculture, said Alexander Kosinets. In his view, the trade between Smolensk and Vitebsk can grow from $151 million this year to $1 billion. “Vitebsk and Smolensk regions implement development programs that can be integrated and made complementary, for example, the programs for the development of small-scale power engineering, flax production,” he added. “The new format of the economic relations with the free trade zone in place would give an impetus to our economic relations,” said the Smolensk Oblast Governor. Trade of $1 billion is feasible, he is sure. “We cane build up the mutual trade by enhancing the economic potential of the regions. By combining our efforts we can meet many challenges regarding the implementation of new technologies,” he said.

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