GOMEL, 24 October (BelTA) – Belarus’ Gomel Oblast plans to sign three agreements with Ukrainian administrations during the 1st Forum of Regions of Belarus and Ukraine which is due in Gomel on 25-26 October, Gomel Oblast Vice Governor Andrei Konyushko told the media on 24 October, BelTA has learned.
Plans are in place to conclude a number of commercial, interstate and interregional contracts on the sidelines of the forum. These will include agreements on cooperation between the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee and the Zaporozhye Oblast State Administration, the Kiev Administration, and an agreement on cooperation between the cities of Gomel and Dnepr.
As for commercial contracts, Andrei Konyushko named the agreement between Belorusneft and Ukrgazdobycha to conduct various, including service, works by Belarusian specialists in Ukraine.
According to Andrei Konyushko, Gomel Oblast is already implementing a number of projects with the neighboring country. “We have successful examples of investment, joint ventures with Ukrainian capital. In January-August this year, the trade between Gomel Oblast and Ukraine exceeded $394 million. I am sure that the forum will give a powerful additional impetus to establishing new relations and bolstering the existing ones,” he said.
It is expected that the forum will be attended by 700 representatives of Belarus and Ukraine. The latter will be represented by 17 regions. The forum will highlight cooperation in trade, agriculture and forestry, industry, science, and education.