Opinions & Interviews

“Promotion of integration processes and development of the Union State, first of all, depend on the interregional ties. This cooperation aspect has been the focus of our attention for the past five years. The annual economic forum of regions has become a good platform for cooperation,” Lyudmila Dobrynina said.

Belarusian and Russian MPs gathered in Orsha to exchange opinions. They stressed the need for expanding the cooperation, bolstering the ties and finding new promising cooperation avenues. “We have agreements, joint projects implemented by city and regional administrations and businessmen. The fact that business works means that the economy of our regions is working too, and that the Union State is growing stronger,” the MP emphasized.

She is confident that the cooperation between Belarusian and Russian regions will be further intensified. “We have plans for holding a forum. This means new agreements. By the way, almost all of the companies in Orsha District work with Russia. Some 58% of the district’s output is sold to Russia. Orsha meat products are well-known there. The local bakery and other companies are also working for that market,” Lyudmila Dobrynina noted.

She also said a few words about the progress in drafting a program for innovative development of the flax processing industry in Belarus and Russia. “The MPs believe that there is a strong need for this program. Our task is to fill it with quality content,” the MP added.

In the afternoon on 28 February, members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia visited the enterprises that act as state customers, coordinators, and executors of Union State programs. The MPs got familiar with the operation of Orsha Linen Mill, the machine tool factory Krasny Borets, Linpac Packaging Est, and Orsha Meat Canning Plant.

On 1 March, the MPs intend to visit historical and cultural sites to consider establishing a joint tourism route. The session will be focused on the potential and future development of the historical and cultural legacy in the Belarusian-Russian border area. The interest in the topic is particularly great in the year of the 950th anniversary of the city of Orsha. There are many places of historical interest in Orsha District. They are viewed as sources of faith, spirituality, and original talent and are believed to have potential to become important tourist attractions.