Netherlands seek to strengthen ties with Vitebsk Oblast

The Netherlands aim to enhance cooperation with Vitebsk Oblast in various fields, Dutch Charge d'Affaires in Belarus Erik-Jan van Oosterhout told journalists after he met with senior officials of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee.

Erik-Jan van Oosterhout took office in January. The visit to Vitebsk was his first official visit. “We have a lot to discuss with Vitebsk Oblast. We will aim to advance cooperation with the region in economy and culture,” Erik-Jan van Oosterhout said.

The charge d'affaires took interest in the international economic forum Innovations. Investments. Prospects. that is annually held in Vitebsk. He will deliver the invitation of the Belarusian partners to Dutch companies.

Vitebsk Oblast is interested in the experience of the Netherlands that focuses on innovations in its economic development, Deputy Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Konstantin Cherny said. “We are open to a dialogue, we have a good basis for it and a lot of areas which could make use of Dutch innovations,” Konstantin Cherny noted. “We will invite Dutch companies to our forum in May, so that they could talk with representatives of the Belarusian business circles and find out more about business in our country,” he added.

Trade between Vitebsk Oblast and the Netherlands amounted to $92.4 million in 2019. Vitebsk Oblast exports include petroleum products, linen, rape oil, glass fiber, and woodworking products. It imports fruit, vegetables, flowers, vegetable seeds, and medicines. In 2019, direct investments from the Netherlands totaled almost $1 million. Two enterprises with Dutch capital operate in Vitebsk Oblast.

BelTA.