Business news

GOMEL, 19 February (BelTA) - An official delegation of Penza Oblast headed by chairman of the regional government Mikhail Kosoi will visit Gomel on 19 February, BelTA learned from the press service of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee.

The visit will begin with talks between the leaders of the Belarusian and Russian regions in the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee. The meeting will primarily discuss the ways of expanding economic cooperation, bolstering ties between enterprises, setting up new joint ventures, improving logistics, and increased trade.

Chairman of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Vladimir Dvornik and head of the Penza Oblast regional government Mikhail Kosoi are expected to sign a protocol of intent on cooperation. On the same day the Gomel Office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host a business matchmaking session for businessmen of the two regions. The Russian guests will visit Gomselmash, Gomel Chemical Plant and Milkavita where they plan to discuss the supplies of products of these enterprises to Penza Oblast.

In January-December 2014 the trade between Gomel and Penza regions amounted to $7 million, with exports totaling $3.7 million, imports $3.3 million. Gomel Oblast had a surplus in trade with the Russian region of $0.4 million. The major exports are ferrous materials (export share is 30%), plastics and related products (13.5%), wallpaper (10.8%), salt (8.1%), porcelain (8%). Major exporting enterprises are Belarusian Steel Works – the Management Company of the Belarusian Steel Company Holding Company, Alkopak, Gomeloboi, Mozyrsalt and Dobrush Porcelain Factory.