Vitebsk Region and Peterhof Strengthen Cooperation: Partnership Agreement Signed
The visit of the Russian delegation took place within the framework of the St. Petersburg Days in Minsk, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of partnership relations between the cities and a meeting between the Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, and the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.
As Alexander Subbotin noted, the city on the Neva is a strategic direction for the development of cooperation for the Vitebsk region, primarily in the real sector of the economy.
– We are increasing our foreign trade contacts. Based on the results of last year, we reached a joint turnover of 137 million dollars. Enterprises of the Vitebsk region supply dairy products, televisions, polyethylene, fiberglass, cable, linen fabrics, footwear, medical devices, and other goods to St. Petersburg, – noted Alexander Subbotin.
The head of the region focused on cooperation and the implementation of joint projects, including within the framework of the Union State. The Petrodvortsovy district hosts a number of unique industrial enterprises, in particular, a watch factory, a metalworking plant, the "Mashrybprom" plant, a poultry farm, and a subsidiary enterprise of the BSH Hausgeräte concern for the production of refrigerators and washing machines.
In turn, the Vitebsk region stands out from other regions of Belarus in terms of industrial production due to its greatest diversity. It includes petrochemicals, woodworking, machine tool manufacturing, textile and footwear industries, and other sectors, as well as a developed agro-industrial complex.
Therefore, Alexander Subbotin emphasized, the partnership with St. Petersburg and, in particular, with the Petrodvortsovy District, is of paramount importance for us in creating a joint competitive product. It is significant that our neighbors have a port, which will facilitate the promotion of products from the Vitebsk region enterprises to cities in Russia and other countries.
– The city of Peterhof, which is part of the Petrodvortsovy District, has been granted the status of a Russian science city. The Vitebsk region also possesses high research potential, focused on applied research in the fields of biotechnology and biosecurity, agriculture, and the textile and footwear industries. We are ready to discuss cooperation prospects in these areas, – explained Alexander Subbotin, adding that, like our neighbors, the Vitebsk region has a rich historical and cultural heritage and significant tourism potential.
Alexander Yakushev is convinced that the Petrodvortsovy District also has something to offer. In addition to cooperation in the socio-economic sphere, these are projects in the field of tourism. The main attractions of the district are the palace and park ensembles of Peterhof, Oranienbaum, and the Konstantinovsky Palace.
– We have discussed points of convergence with the historical places and events that connect our region with your oblast. Furthermore, we are ready to offer education in our universities. There are points of convergence that are of interest to both sides, – noted Alexander Yakushev.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vitebsk region and the Petrodvortsovy District of St. Petersburg.