Tourism viewed as one of priority areas of cooperation between Vitebsk Oblast and Poland

VITEBSK, 17 June (BelTA) - The development of cooperation in the tourism sector could become one of the priority areas of cooperation between Vitebsk Oblast and Polish regions, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Poland to Belarus Leszek Szerepka told reporters. The Ambassador is in Vitebsk Oblast on a familiarization trip. According to him, Vitebsk is known as the lake district. Therefore it will be interesting to get familiar with its tourism infrastructure and the regional tourism products. This will allow organizing tours for Polish tourists, strengthening tourism cooperation between Polish regions and Vitebsk Oblast, including through the creation of a joint Belarusian-Polish tour operator. During a meeting with the Vitebsk regional authorities the Polish Ambassador expressed gratitude and appreciation for the assistance and support in organizing the pilgrimage of the Polish families, whose family members died in a plane crash near Smolensk, to the place of tragedy. “All members of the delegation were deeply touched by the warm welcome and support in this difficult moment and will always remember this," said Leszek Szerepka. According to the deputy chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Oleg Matskevich, Poland is a big investor in the economy of Vitebsk Oblast. Around 20 companies with Polish capital operate in Vitebsk Oblast. However, there are many aspects which the sides need to work through to improve cooperation in all areas, including in trade, economic and humanitarian areas. In the four months from January to April 2011 foreign trade of Vitebsk Oblast with Poland amounted to $30.6 million, up almost 80% over the same period last year. Exports increased by 66% to $11 million. Major exports are petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas, which account for more than 40% of total exports. In addition, Vitebsk companies export to Poland casein, fiberglass, acrylic tow, timber, peat, linen fabrics, machinery and clothing. Major imports from Poland are medicines, vitamins for animal feed, equipment, fabrics and clothing accessories. Interregional cooperation is based on ten bilateral agreements between cities and districts of Vitebsk Oblast and Poland.

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