Oleg Matskevich: the logistics sector can become the basis for cooperation between the Vitebsk region and Great Britain

These aspects of bilateral interaction were highlighted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Belarus, Jacqueline Perkins, during a working meeting with the First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Oleg Matskevich. The event took place on March 13 and was the final chord of the diplomat's two-day trip to the region. During her diplomatic mission in our country, this was her first visit to the periphery, and the choice of the northern region was made precisely because of its logistical features. The rich cultural heritage of the Vitebsk region, especially its world-renowned artistic traditions, also played a role in this.

— According to the results of 2019, mutual trade turnover exceeded 7 million dollars. The structure of this trade is dominated by supplies from England, particularly parts and equipment. This is important for us, as the Vitebsk region is building its development based on industry, along with increased attention to agriculture. At the same time, the trade balance figures do not fully reflect the potential of bilateral cooperation, the basis of which could be the logistics industry, — noted Oleg Matskevich.

Today, there are 7 organizations operating in the Vitebsk region with the participation of English capital, including residents of the FEZ "Vitebsk" – CJSC "Vitebsk Machine-Building Plant "Novmash" and JV LLC "LINPAK Packaging East".

Oleg Matskevich paid special attention to this, as, along with investments, such cooperation allows for learning and adopting experience and competencies in technologies and production discipline from English partners.

The UK Embassy also focuses on establishing broad information interaction between the businesses of the two countries, which creates fertile ground for the development and deepening of cooperation. In addition, among the priorities for Jacqueline Perkins are cultural interaction and the development of humanitarian contacts between people.

— To understand the region, one must know its cultural characteristics, — the diplomat is sure. — My mission in Belarus lasts only 6 months, but I constantly encounter examples of the development of interpersonal contacts and am convinced of how strong the ties between our countries are.

The diplomat admitted that she was eagerly awaiting the cultural program of the visit with special anticipation, which was based on visits to places associated with the name of Marc Chagall, including the Museum of the History of the Vitebsk People's Art Museum. Especially since in the near future the British Embassy will be working in this institution. As the museum director Andrey Dukhovnikov reported, British creative communities are showing increased academic interest in the cultural heritage of Vitebsk, which will soon acquire quite tangible outlines. This concerns the creation of a permanent platform for cooperation and cultural exchange at the Vitebsk museum, which can involve representatives of various creative fields. By the way, the initiator of the proposal is the famous London architect of Chinese origin, Zhai Sor. The British Ambassador promised full assistance.

During her visit, Jacqueline Perkins visited the Orsha district, where she held negotiations with the leadership of the district executive committee, visited the flax mill and the enterprise "LINPAK Packaging East". In the regional center, the diplomat learned about the development features and preferences of the FEZ "Vitebsk", and also got acquainted with the cultural heritage of the region.

Since January 31, 2020, the Foggy Albion has not been a member of the EU and is establishing trade relations directly with all countries, including Belarus.

"Vitebskiye vesti". Photo "Vitebskiye vesti" and "Vitbichi".