Region

Gomel Oblast to sign three agreements with Uzbekistan at Forum of Regions

GOMEL, 29 July (BelTA) - Gomel Oblast plans to sign three agreements on regional cooperation with Uzbekistan regions at the 1st Forum of Regions of Belarus and Uzbekistan which will be held in Minsk on 29-30 July, the head of the foreign trade department of the economy committee at the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Alevtina Saranchuk told the media as Gomel Oblast is hosting a delegation of Xorazm Region of Uzbekistan, BelTA has learned.
Gomel Oblast is set to develop cooperation in various areas with the Fergana, Xorazm and Navoiy regions and intend to sign the agreements during the plenary session of the forum.
According to Alevtina Saranchuk, members of the regional delegation will include representatives of the region's authorities, businesses, and enterprises. They will also participate in three panel discussions to discuss the interaction of the countries in agriculture, industry, science and education. “In preparation for the forum Gomel companies already signed contracts totaling $1.307 million with Uzbek partners. The total number of documents will be seven,” she said.
At present, the parties are exchanging visits, discussing possible joint ventures and projects in various industries.
While touring Gomel companies, head of the main department for investment and foreign trade of the khokimiat of Xorazm Region Anvar Davletov said that Belarus is a strategic partner of Uzbekistan. He outlined trade and economic sector, science, culture, tourism and healthcare among promising areas of cooperation between Gomel Oblast and Khorezm Region.
In January-May 2019, the trade between Gomel Oblast and Uzbekistan exceeded $3.1 million. Twenty-three Gomel companies sell their goods to Uzbekistan. The region's major exports include man-made yarn, nonwoven synthetic materials, timber, wall paper, sealing products, and milk powder. Gomel Oblast imports Uzbekistan's cotton yarn, polyethylene, and workwear.
In Q1 2019, Gomel Oblast received $35,000 in direct investment from Uzbekistan. The region is home to 40 companies founded by Uzbek legal entities and individuals.