16:54:55 18/2 F,САГО,АНГЛ/ 66,РГВ MINSK, 18 February (BelTA) – Russian business should more actively penetrate the Belarusian economy, Aleksei Kiselev, Russia’s trade representative in Belarus, said at the first business forum “Russia-Belarus 2010. Consumer goods: new contracts and sales increase”. The forum began in Minsk on 18 February. According to Aleksei Kiselev, Belarus has created favorable conditions for investments, which encourages many countries to invest heavily in the Belarusian economy and set up joint ventures. There are over 1,000 joint ventures and Russia-owned companies in Belarus. “The country’s investment climate is attractive for all economic operators. It is very profitable and farsighted for Russian entrepreneurs to develop their business in Belarus,” stressed Aleksei Kiselev. In 2009 Belarus received $9.3 billion in foreign investments, 43.5% up on 2008. Russia contributed $6.1 billion to the figure. Belarus also takes an active part in investing in Russian companies. Belarusian investments into the Russian economy totaled nearly $730 million. Aleksei Kiselev remarked that the cooperation between the two countries is a long-term one and has a great future. “For Russia Belarus is not only a brotherly country but a partner in the Union State,” he added. Aleksei Kiselev also reminded that Russia has a trade representation in Belarus. It is staffed with qualified personnel, can provide consultative and legal aid both to Russian and Belarusian businessmen.

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