Israeli business shows interest in Belarus, Ambassador of Israel to Belarus Eduard Shapira told media on January 27. “As far as I know there is a mutual interest both in Israel and Belarus,” said the diplomat. The Ambassador underscored Israel intends to promote relations with Belarus, focusing on economic cooperation. Eduard Shapira said, Israel had invested over $10 billion in the countries Belarus borders on. “There is nothing to make Israel companies avoid investing in Belarus. We are familiar with the region. The existing interest should be developed,” he said. In his words, there is a legal base regulating the trade and economic sphere between the two countries. The legal base will be used for future contacts. “There are several projects already and efforts will be put into these areas,” said Eduard Shapira. He explained cooperation may be established in science, high technologies, construction, telecommunications, medicine, and food industry. Eduard Shapira added, in 2009 a meeting of the bilateral economic commission may take place. “I hope after the government of Israel is formed the meeting will be organised,” he added. According to the diplomat, Israel is also ready to invite Belarusian experts to major economic expos. Eduard Shapira noted that according to the data he has the trade turnover between Belarus and Israel totalled about $26 million in 2008.

БЕЛТА