MOSCOW, March 26 (BelTA) – Belarus and the Smolensk oblast are demonstrating a bright example of efficient cross-border cooperation, BelTA learnt from Governor of the Smolensk oblast Sergei Antufyev. He ahs stressed the companies of the Smolensk oblast maintain cooperation links with all oblasts of Belarus. The closest cooperation has been registered with the border-zone Vitebsk and Mogilev oblasts. Last year the Smolensk oblast signed a cooperation agreement with the Vitebsk oblast and a plan of action on the implementation of the current agreement with the Mogilev oblast. According to the Governor, strong links helped the Smolensk oblast take the sixth place in Belarus’ trade among the Russian regions. In 2008, the trade totaled $790 million, up 31% over the previous year. “It is a very good figure and, moreover, cooperation between the Smolensk oblast and Belarus shows not only cross-border cooperation, but helps in the Union State construction,” Sergei Antufyev is confident. According to him, today there are 88 companies with the Belarusian capital in the Smolensk oblast. The construction of an assembling plant of Belarusian agricultural equipment will start in the Smolensk oblast in the near future. “The project is very interesting and will cost over RUB2 billion,” Sergei Antufyev said. There are also plans to develop relations with Mogilev plants of road service and elevator equipment. In February the Vitebsk oblast assisted the construction of a greenhouse in the Smolensk oblast. The Smolensk oblast and Belarus are also closely cooperating in the agrarian sector. In particular, the two sides have established relations in seed-stock exchanging and provide support in the spring sowing campaign. The two sides have been developing contacts in the social area. The Governor said that the Smolensk oblast has been preparing a unique tourist route dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the 1812 War. “When we were discussing the concept of the project, we could not forget about the Belarusian side. This project is also promising from the economic point of view,” Sergei Antufyev said.

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