Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 4 August (BelTA) - Tambov Oblast offers Belarus to expand bilateral cooperation through new forms of cooperation, the head of the Tambov Oblast Administration, Oleg Betin, said as he met with Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich in Minsk on 4 August, BelTA has learned.

"Trade is good, but it has a limiting factor which is market saturation. We need to go further, to explore new forms of cooperation,” said Oleg Betin.

During the meeting with the Belarusian leader the parties talked over the possibility of cooperation in the field of science. "Michurinsk hosts an agricultural science town which cultivates fruits. Belarus, too, is developing its gardens. New promising fruit varieties are needed. We could work together on this,” said Oleg Betin

The science town, according to the head of the Tambov Oblast Administration, has a number of large companies which are engaged in potato cultivation. Belarusian scientists work there on a permanent basis. In addition to pre-sale preparation of potato the parties could engage in processing, storage, and preservation of useful properties of the new crops. "This business could be very fruitful," said Oleg Betin. He also sees prospects of bilateral cooperation in the development of varieties of grain crops, sugar beets, etc.

Mikhail Myasnikovich suggested discussing new tools and mechanisms which would enable the partners to step beyond traditional forms of cooperation. In general, he noted the positive dynamics of the bilateral cooperation. It is seen both in the trade and economic relations and in the social area.

In 2013, the trade between Belarus and Tambov Oblast exceeded $44 million, an increase of more than 9% in comparison with 2012. Belarus’ major exports were oil products, machinery and equipment for harvesting and threshing of grain crops, non-woven fabrics, and beef.