Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France Pavel Latushko offers to expand cooperation of Belarus and France at the expense of investment and entry into the market with new products. The diplomat noted it during the Belarusian-French Business Week held in Paris.
Trade turnover between the two countries has the potential to increase, and the interaction can be extended. According to Paul Latushko, in this case, much depends on the activity of enterprises, attracting investment and creating new industries by the Belarusian business with the help of their own investment and entry into the market with new products.
“This will allow us to rectify the situation,” he said. In addition, Belarus has extensive experience in the construction industry, and this knowledge is in demand in France. For example, there is a huge interest in wooden country houses, which raises the Belarusian private company. Enhancing the cooperation is expected in the areas of woodworking, banking, agriculture and tourism.
Within the framework of the business week, the second Belarusian-French business forum was held, which brought together more than 100 representatives of the ministries and business circles of the two countries. They talked about the investment potential of Belarus and preferences of the free economic zones.
“It makes sense to our businessmen to be interested in Belarus today”, stated Head of Economic Service of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Embassy of France in Ukraine Vincent Falcoz. “It has a favorable geographical position, good transport infrastructure and developed transit possibilities. The country is rich in forest resources; well-trained and highly qualified engineers in the energy and industrial complex.”
Director of French agricultural company Nicholas Faber noted that he relied on large volumes of sales by 2017. “You have an excellent climate for the cultivation of potatoes. During the year we have seen, that Belarusians is a reliable partner with whom you can deal with,” he added.
Meetings with representatives of state agencies and businesses took place. In particular, the talks were held with the employees of OJSC Belarus Automobile Plant, OJSC Minsk Automobile Plant, OJSC Belarus Steel Works, OJSC Gomelsteklo and other enterprises with potential French partners who are interested in export of products to the markets of France and West Africa. Representatives of OJSC Elema held talks with the French association of manufacturers of women's clothing, as well as with potential partners in the textile industries.
Representatives of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, the National Centre for Marketing and Price Study held meetings at the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Finance of France, with potential exporters of products to the French market.
The Belarusian side has proposed to hold a session of the Belarusian-French inter-business forum in Minsk from 30 November to 1 December. According to Latushko, all companies registered in Belarus with French capital will have the opportunity to take part in the forum, as well as other representatives of the business circles of the two countries. “We propose to dedicate this forum to the 40th anniversary of the establishment of a sister city relationship between Minsk and Lyons,” the diplomat added.
Based on materials from the Internet-sources