Business news

GRODNO, 24 February (BelTA) – Crystalware and other products made by the Belarusian glass factory Neman can be competitive on the Indian market. The statement was made during the meeting of Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Kravtsov and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Belarus Pankaj Saxena, BelTA has learned.

The Ambassador of India said: “I’ve seen the Neman glass factory in Berezovka and was impressed by the enterprise and the products. I am sure they may sell well on the Indian market. We are going to give a list of potential partners in our country to the company and will also invite Neman to take part in a major industrial expo in India in November.”

The Ambassador explained that Grodno Oblast is the first region of Belarus he had visited. In his words, the production sector in Grodno Oblast is well-developed. Besides, the oblast is Belarus’ leader in advancing cooperation with regions of India.

An agreement on cooperation between Grodno Oblast and India’s Andhra Pradesh and Telangana provinces is in development. “We expect the document to be signed in H1 2016. We see that we have contact points and mutual interest. Not only in economy and trade relations but also in education and cultural affairs,” noted Vladimir Kravtsov. He added that over 100 Indian students study at the Grodno State Medical University and the number increases all the time.

Joint projects are implemented. An Indian company took part in the reconstruction of Grodno cogeneration plant No. 2. Several other projects in the area of power engineering are in the pipeline. Cooperation in pharmaceutics may turn out to be appealing. An Indian company is implementing an investment project to make medications at premises of the pharmaceutical enterprise Belmedpreparaty in the town of Skidel. The investments may be close to $2.8 million, with 50 jobs to be created.

A delegation of representatives of official and business circles is expected to visit the Indian city of Hyderabad in 2016. Pankaj Saxena noted that it is one of the most rapidly developing cities in India. Once a hi-tech park is opened in Grodno, the Belarusian city may become a partner of Indian companies in information technologies and microelectronics. Plans have been made for an exchange of delegations representing tobacco industries since the Grodno-based tobacco factory Neman has long-standing partnership ties with Indian tobacco manufacturers.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Belarus Pankaj Saxena is in Grodno Oblast on 24-26 February on a visit. While in Grodno Oblast the Ambassador is expected to meet with Indian students of the Grodno State Medical University, to get familiar with the potential of the free economic zone Grodnoinvest and industrial enterprises of the region.