29 June 2011
Belarus praised as attractive investment destination
VITEBSK, 29 June (BelTA) - Belarus is an extremely attractive investment destination, Pavel Gorodnov, PDW Group s.r.o. board member (Czech Republic), said after a ceremony of signing an investment agreement between PDW Group s.r.o and Vitebsk Oblast to develop the Vitebsk Airport infrastructure. According to the Czech businessman, Belarus has created a favorable investment climate. Professional personnel, particularly specialists with high-quality technical training, is one of the main things that make the region attractive for investors, according to Pavel Gorodnov. In addition, Belarus has a portfolio of interesting projects for investments. All these factors were taken into account as the Czech investor decided in favor of the project in Vitebsk. This project will be the first experience for the Czech investor in Belarus. In accordance with the investment contract, the Czech investor will set up five specialty companies in Vitebsk, including an air company, a business aviation service company, a fuel servicing unit and an airport service company, and also a transport and logistics center near Vitebsk Airport. Project investments are estimated at ?50 million. The airline will operate L-410 aircraft made in the Czech Republic. In the future the company will look into a possibility of leasing IL-114s or the Franco-Italian ATRs, upgrading IL-76 transport aircraft. The investor intends to recruit local flight engineers and technical personnel. The project also involves the construction of hotels, restaurants, upgrading of the Vitebsk airport terminal and developing additional services.БЕЛТА