Belarus, Russia's Smolensk Oblast discuss new projects

Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Dmitry Krutoi met with Russia's Smolensk Oblast Governor Vasily Anokhin during his visit to the Russian region on 4 December. Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin and First Deputy Architecture and Construction Minister Oleg Shvets took part in the talks on Dmitry Krutoi's initiative, BelTA learned from the embassy's press service.

The parties discussed a wide range of cooperation issues in economy, mechanical engineering, agriculture, road construction, education and culture. Vasily Anokhin stated that there was a positive dynamics in trade with Belarus in H1 2023, which reached $1.292 billion. More than 4,500 Belarus-funded enterprises operate in Smolensk Oblast. They are engaged in road construction, transportation logistics, flax farming, and industry.

The meeting participants focused on expanding the participation of Belarusian qualified personnel in the implementation of various projects in Smolensk Oblast. Belarusian contractors are currently working in a number of districts of the Russian region, carrying out road construction, park and public garden landscaping. Dmitry Krutoi emphasized Belarus' readiness to intensify participation in the construction of social facilities, reconstruction of roads and bridges in Smolensk Oblast.

“A separate topic of discussion was the purchase of public transport, road, construction, agricultural machinery from Belarusian manufacturers. This year 45 MAZ buses have already been purchased. Plans are also in place to buy more than 100 AMKODOR, MAZ, and MTZ vehicles. Taking into account the needs of the region in modernization of the fleet of agricultural, cargo, passenger and other machinery, Belarus is ready to take the necessary measures to create the relevant assembly plants. The parties also discussed the prospects of setting up a multi-brand service center for Belarusian machinery in Smolensk Oblast,” the press service said.

As for the agricultural sector, the parties talked over the cooperation between Russian Linen, the leading flax-growing enterprise in Smolensk Oblast, and representatives of Belarus to set up a joint selection and seed center of competitive varieties of fiber crops (linen flax in particular) on the basis of the enterprise.

“As for tourism, more than 50,000 tourists from Belarus visited Smolensk Oblast in 2022. In this regard, the parties discussed the opening of the Union State international tourist information center in Smolensk. The concept of the project has already received support from the Belarusian Economy Ministry and the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, and a decision has been made on the allocation of funds in 2024-2025. School tourism is another area for cooperation. The possibility of organizing cross-country patriotic and historical trips for school students from Belarus and Russia was considered. The parties also discussed the launch of a network educational program of Smolensk State University and Vitebsk Technological University to train bachelors in “technology and design of textile products” and “costume and fabric design”, the diplomatic mission said.

Belarusian creative teams took an active part in the festive events celebrating the 1160th anniversary of Smolensk and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Smolensk Oblast from the Nazis. “I express my great gratitude that Belarusian creative teams took part in the celebration of the 1160th anniversary of Smolensk. To popularize our joint culture, we would like to invite your collectives to celebrate one of the most significant and important events for the region - the 90th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin,” Vasily Anokhin said.

During his visit Dmitry Krutoi visited the Ruselprom-Safonovo Electric Machines Plant (SEZ) which makes electric motors for many industries. Safonovo Electric machines Plant is interesting first of all due to the established cooperation with BelAZ. “The short logistic shoulder and mutual nature of supplies between the enterprises of BelAZ and SEZ let us count on deeper cooperation, including in import substitution,” the press service added.