Opinions & Interviews

BREST, 13 November (BelTA) – The British have not yet fully appreciated advantages of the Belarusian market as part of the Single Economic Space. The opinion was voiced by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Belarus Bruce Bucknell as he met with representatives of the Brest Oblast administration on 13 November, BelTA has learned.

According to the diplomat, the membership in the Customs Union and the future Eurasian Economic Union gives huge trade advantages to Belarus. Economic operators will be able to directly access the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. The Ambassador said that private companies in the UK are free to decide where they should do business and make investments. Bruce Bucknell believes his job is to stimulate the interest of British businessmen in Belarus. “The advancement of economic relations should become a priority for us,” stressed the Ambassador.

Brest Oblast Governor Konstantin Sumar agreed that foreign economic ties between Belarus and the UK should be developed. While the growth rate of the foreign trade between Brest Oblast and the UK totaled 148% in January-September 2013, there is still unused potential for bolstering this cooperation. Konstantin Sumar believes that Belarusian dairy products could be promoted to the UK. “I understand that it is not that simple to enter the British market. Besides, it is oversaturated with merchandise. But English consumers might like our organic products. Besides, the quality of many of them is confirmed by European certificates,” he noted.

The meeting drew close attention to humanitarian cooperation. According to Konstantin Sumar, public organizations of the United Kingdom have made an invaluable contribution to the recreation of Belarusian kids and continue doing so. With this in mind about 500 young Brest Oblast residents have already been to Great Britain. Charity organizations from England act as patrons for two schools in Zhabinka District and Kamenets District. This year alone the British foundation Chernobyl Children Life Line has granted 102 vouchers for Brest Oblast children to visit rehabilitation centers.

The sides believe that ecological tourism could become another important direction for advancing cooperation. According to Bruce Bucknell, this kind of tourism is very popular among British people. “There are many places in Belarus that may be interesting for the British,” said the diplomat. “Your Belovezhskaya Pushcha is very attractive in this regard. Particularly for those, who like cycling tourism”.