Vitebsk Oblast to strengthen cooperation with Crimea

The head of the delegation that arrived in Vitebsk Oblast on a visit said that representatives of Crimea regularly discuss cooperation with Belarus, and the areas of interaction vary from social to economic ones. One of the most acute problems both for the peninsula and for Belarus is the closure of the usual transport routes. Due to broken ties with Western countries, the supply chain has increased significantly, and this entails additional costs for the supply of goods abroad.

“Our ports in Crimea are underloaded by 15-20%. So you can safely go to us. The export of goods to the countries we cooperate with can be quite active. These are the countries of the Middle East, North Africa. We have the shortest way to them. A few days and your goods reach the destination,” Georgy Muradov said.

In his words, Belarusian goods are well-known and loved in African countries. They are waiting for them as they prefer high-quality products. The demand for Belarusian brands in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates is high.

Strengthening economic ties is necessary for both parties. For this representatives of Crimean business interested in long-term cooperation are set to attend a forum of regions which is due to take place in Grodno Oblast, Belarus. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin told the delegation about the forum. Representatives of the business community of Vitebsk Oblast received an invitation to take part in international and regional economic forums which traditionally take place in Crimea.

Tourism can become another important area of cooperation. “We can offer the residents of Vitebsk Oblast not only traditional holidays on the sea coast but also educational and historical tourism. We have specific types of tourism, for example, speleological tourism with the study of numerous ancient caves where the remains of mammoths are stored. Marine tourism, including the extreme one, will also be interesting,” Georgy Muradov said.

Cultural exchange can also be another connecting thread of interaction. Aleksandr Subbotin handed over invitations to the representatives of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Crimea to attend the Slavianski Bazaar festival and suggested bringing their artists who could perform at various stages of the art festival, including during the days of the Union State.

Georgy Muradov added that Crimea is ready to develop municipal and twinning relations with Vitebsk Oblast. Relations between educational institutions, including inter-university cooperation, are also very important, which means the relationship between the northern region of Belarus and Crimea has many prospects.