Events

MINSK, 10 July (BelTA) – There are plans to open honorary consulates of Belarus in Marseilles, France, in Barcelona, Spain, and in Porto, Portugal. The plans were mentioned by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France with concurrent accreditation to Spain, Portugal, and Monaco Pavel Latushko. The ambassador took part in a seminar for heads of diplomatic missions and consular institutions of Belarus on 10 July, BelTA has learned.

The ambassador reminded that there are honorary consulates of Belarus in Lyon and Bordeaux. Another one will be opened in Marseilles soon. A Belarusian consulate operates in Alicante, Spain. The embassy is working to open another consulate in Barcelona. Apart from that, plans have been made to open an honorary consulate in the city of Porto. “These are the anchor points, thanks to which we will be able to advance economic relations and help our citizens in distress,” noted Pavel Latushko.

The diplomat stressed that the Embassy of Belarus in France considers the diversification of Belarusian export and the attraction of foreign investments into the Belarusian economy as top priorities in the embassy’s work. “This year alone the growth rate of export to France totaled some 150%, with the growth rate of export to Spain and Portugal exceeding 120%,” said the ambassador. As an example of successful efforts to attract French investments he mentioned that one of the world’s largest milk processing companies Lactalis has bought an enterprise in Brest Oblast. The raised investments are estimated at some $9 million.

“We should work to bring more new products from Belarus to the markets of France, Spain, Portugal, and Monaco. We should encourage investments by companies and businessmen of these countries. It will allow expanding our export,” added Pavel Latushko.

Business forums are meant to help achieve these goals. Three forums have been held in France and Spain. Some forums have been held in Portugal. There are plans to hold another forum in Lisbon this year, summed up the ambassador.