Belarus suggests ways of expanding cooperation with Kostroma Oblast of Russia
Ways of increasing trade between Belarus and Russia’s Kostroma Oblast were discussed at a meeting between Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Aleksandr Rogozhnik and Governor of the Russian region Sergei Sitnikov on 15 November. The talks were also attended by Belarusian Information Minister Marat Markov, who is the Belarusian government’s point man for cooperation with Kostroma Oblast of Russia, BelTA has learned.
Ambassador Aleksandr Rogozhnik noted that trade between Belarus and Kostroma Oblast amounted to $60 million in 2023, having increased by 20%. "You almost doubled your supplies. We need to catch up," he said.
The ambassador suggested increasing Belarusian export of city transport vehicles and giving access for Belarus to the transport programs in the region. Belarus can supply electric buses, hybrid trolleybuses, gas-powered buses, and utility vehicles.
“We can step up cooperation in construction. We have experience of building not only residential buildings in Russian regions but also sports facilities.
We have built a 10,000-seat stadium in Voronezh. Now we are launching the construction of a 20,000-seat stadium there. We are building clinics and other social facilities. If you are interested, we are ready to discuss the issue,” Aleksandr Rogozhnik said addressing the governor.
He also believes that the parties have good prospects for expanding cooperation in agriculture. “We have recently built the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation, which is engaged in the production of a wide range of products, from vitamins and proteins to animal and fish feed,” the ambassador said.
Aleksandr Rogozhnik also suggested holding the Days of Belarus in Kostroma Oblast next summer. The event may feature a trade fair of Belarusian food and light industry products, on-stage performance groups.
The ambassador’s visit to Kostroma Oblast will also include a meeting of the joint working group on the development of trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, and also tours of a number of enterprises.
