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13.09.2013

Makei: Belarus seeks to increase efficiency of economic ties in CIS

MINSK, 13 September (BelTA) – In its relations with the CIS member states, Belarus focuses on enhancing efficiency of economic ties between the participating states with a view to improving living standards and promoting prosperity of our peoples, Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said in an interview with the SB newspaper, BelTA has learnt.

According to the Foreign Minister, an important part of this work is the development of the free trade zone in the CIS. By the way, Uzbekistan has joined the CIS free trade zone recently. The CIS member states will soon establish a free trade zone for services.

Belarus also prioritizes cooperation in the innovative field. We are implementing an interstate program in innovations. The program consists of 11 innovative projects estimated at a total of over $190 million. I am proud to say that nine of these projects involve Belarusian research centers, companies and universities. More than that, a number of projects were initiated by the Belarusian side,” the Foreign Minister said.

Vladimir Makei noted that this year was declared the Year of Ecological Culture and Environmental Protection by the CIS. The CIS will launch about 40 environmental projects, many of which were proposed by Belarus. Our country also advocates a wider use of renewable energy sources.

Vladimir Makei said that the concept of the Belarusian presidency in the CIS envisages the promotion of eco-friendly “green” technologies in the CIS member states. One of the key events of the program was an international exhibition “Human beings. Environment. Eco-products and technologies 2013” that was arranged by the CIS member states in Minsk in the spring 2013.

Belarus suggests discussing technical upgrade and modernization in the CIS member states taking into consideration “green” technologies. Belarus also proposes building up the environmental capacities of transport and road infrastructure.

As expected, environmental matters will also be discussed at the 8th CIS Forum of Creative and Academic Intellectuals that will take place in Minsk one of these days.

According to Vladimir Makei, Belarus has advanced to an active phase of the CIS presidency. A variety of forums and meetings will be held in the near future. Most of the events are scheduled for the autumn.

The CIS Council of Heads of State will convene for a meeting in Minsk on 25 October 2013. The presidents will be preceded by foreign ministers who will come to Minsk on the day before.

Vladimir Makei expressed confidence that the presidents and foreign ministers will have a meaningful discussion of the state and prospects of the mutual cooperation and ways to strengthen human, economic, environmental and cultural potential of the CIS.

Vladimir Makei emphasized that during its CIS presidency Belarus will put every effort into promoting good relations between the CIS member states, restoring and expanding the ties that bonded the CIS nations for many centuries. “To deepen these ties, we will soon hold a fact-finding tour for local authorities of the CIS countries to study euro-regions Neman and Ozerny Krai. Partner relations between companies, countries and people are expanding and helping promote integration,” the Foreign Minister said.