Business news

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – The city of Nottingham, UK is interested in developing cooperation with Minsk in education and electric transport, Lord Mayor of Nottingham Michael Edwards noted as he met with Minsk Mayor Andrei Shorets in Minsk on 8 August, BelTA has learned.

Michael Edwards came up with a proposal to establish cooperation between universities and hold a joint ice hockey match between the cities. Nottingham is also looking for electric bus suppliers. The UK delegation visited the mechanical engineering company Belkommunmash and the train factory Stadler Minsk on 8 September to learn more about brand-new Belarusian equipment.

In turn, Andrei Shorets remarked that cooperation between the cities should see specific projects. A possible option is housing construction modeled on cooperation with St Petersburg (Russian architects are designing a St Petersburg neighborhood in Minsk while their Belarusian counterparts are drawing up plans of a Belarusian neighborhood in St Petersburg). There are plans to build a residential compound Nottingham in Minsk, and the participation of UK companies would be appropriate.

“The development of our relations is not as rapid as desired. But I believe that they will gain momentum. We are ready to show our achievements and exchange opinions,” Andrei Shorets remarked.

The UK delegation has arrived in Minsk to take part in the celebrations marking the city’s 950th anniversary. Around 50 years ago Nottingham became the first city to sign a twinning agreement in Minsk. The sides exchanged souvenirs, and the Lord Mayor of Nottingham left a note in the book of distinguished guests.