Nizhny Novgorod Oblast seeks closer ties with Belarusian regions

MOSCOW, 25 January (BelTA) – In 2013 Nizhny Novgorod of Russia is set to focus on developing relations with the Belarusian regions, Nizhny Novgorod Deputy Governor Natalia Kazachkova said at a meeting of the Nizhny Novgorod part of the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast-Belarus Business Cooperation Council on 25 January.

According to Natalia Kazachkova, the trade between Belarus and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast totaled $730 million in January-November 2012, up 20% on the same months last year. The total trade turnover exceeded the precrisis figures by more than $100 million. “Belarus ranks second in Nizhny Novgorod’s trade turnover,” the official said. The parties discussed the preparations for the Belarus-Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Business Cooperation Council slated for 2 April.

The Council was founded in 2005 to assist development of trade, economic, sci-tech and humanitarian cooperation. The Council holds meetings in Belarus and Nizhny Novgorod in turn every year. An action plan on all-round cooperation in developed at every meeting. In Nizhny Novgorod there is an office of the Belarusian embassy in Russia. In 2002 Nizhny Novgorod opened its representation in Minsk.