SMOLENSK, 27 January (BelTA) – Smolensk Oblast of Russia and Vitebsk Oblast of Belarus signed an action plan on trade and economic, sci-tech and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between for 2014-2015. The document was signed by Chairman of Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets and Smolensk Oblast Governor Alexei Ostrovsky in Smolensk on 27 January, BelTA has learnt.

The two regions intend to stimulate business activity of economic entities, organize joint exhibitions and trade fairs, and exchange business visits. The two regions share business interests in manufacturing and trade, construction and agriculture, science and culture.

For example, Vitebsk-based Polymerkonstruktsia is ready to participate in the construction of water treatment plants; the committee on architecture and construction of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee expresses its readiness to work with Smolensk colleagues to design and build facilities for various purposes; Vitebskavtodor stands ready to offer its road surface repair services. The Belarusian side is also interested in setting up joint ventures at the agricultural enterprise Rubezhnitsa, OAO Barseyevo and Liozno flax processing mill in canola cultivation, milk processing, production and primary processing of flax.

The two regions have points of interests in university science. Vitebsk State Technology University invites scholars and students of Smolensk to take part in scientific conferences, contests and research projects, and also offers to do joint training of specialists for the light industry. The university is willing to provide assistance to Smolensk enterprises with testing and certification of light industry products, design and promotion of websites, development of software and other design documentation. Vitebsk State Medical University invites Smolensk partners to conduct joint scientific consultations and mutual peer review of scientific papers, to do joint R&D in medical technologies and new medicines.

Prior to the official signing ceremony the delegation of Vitebsk Oblast headed by the governor visited the Belarusian Embassy Office in Smolensk. The governor and members of the delegation laid flowers at the Eternal Flame in the City Heroes Park, met with representatives of the business communities of the Vitebsk and Smolensk regions during a business matchmaking event, toured the exhibition dedicated to the economic potential of Smolensk Oblast.