Vitebsk, Moscow to raise bilateral trade to $1bn in two years

MOSCOW, 20 February (BelTA) – Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets held a meeting with Moscow Oblast Governor Boris Gromov on 20 February. The sides expressed willingness to increase bilateral trade up to $1 billion in two years, BelTA informs. The sides agreed to create a special working group to achieve these goals, Alexander Kosinets told reporters. Besides, the two oblasts intend to conclude a cooperation agreement which will contribute to the growth of the trade. The Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee reminded reporters that Vitebsk and Moscow oblasts signed a cooperation agreement in 1996, but it was a framework agreement and it did not provide for specific content. Alexander Kosinets said that during the meetings the regional leaders discussed all possible cooperation areas, focused on economic and investment cooperation and development of commodity distribution network. The heads of the regions also discussed the development of twin-town relations. Four towns and districts of Vitebsk Oblast have recently established relations with the towns and districts of Moscow Oblast. Alexander Kosinets said that there are plans to conclude 25 to 30 agreements on the establishment of twin-town relations. In 2011 the trade between Vitebsk and Moscow Oblasts increased by 13.1% over 2010 to a total of $371.2 million. Export of goods to Moscow oblast made up $296.9 million, import $74.3 million.

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