MINSK, 24 May (BelTA) - Belarus and Russia's Karelia should strive for higher results in mutual trade, head of the Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov said at a meeting with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko on 24 May, BelTA has learned.
"Karelia is considered to be the pearl of the north-west of Russia, the land of beautiful nature and rich natural resources. The republic is home to two largest lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega, with huge reserves of high-quality fresh water. Karelia is rich not only in natural resources but also in scientific, educational, cultural and industrial potential," Artur Parfenchikov said.
The industrial sector plays a decisive role in the region's economy. "The most important industries are the forestry and mining, food, chemical industry, metalworking, foundry. The republic plays a significant part in a number of sectors of the Russian economy. For example, it accounts for about 70% of the Russian trout production and about 20% of the railway pellets output," he said.
The Russian region has been posting good social and economic indicators in recent years. "Over the past few years, investments in manufacturing industries have more than tripled, which helped set up new enterprises and create jobs. In terms of investment, Karelia is among the top ten Russian regions. The republic occupies a leading position in national ratings for the industrial sector and investments. We have been carrying out large-scale work to stimulate investment activity, to expand state support for business," Artur Parfenchikov emphasized.
Karelia pays special attention to the development of foreign economic relations. Last year, the region maintained trade relations with 100 countries. Among them were Turkey, China, India
Last year, foreign trade between Karelia and Belarus amounted to $66 million. "We must strive for higher results," Artur Parfenchikov emphasized. “In addition to trade, we are developing investment cooperation. In Karelia, we are implementing a large project with AMKODOR-Onego to produce logging equipment, the only of its kind in Russia.”
"We have prepared a new cooperation agreement which will be signed following today's meeting. The document provides for a number of new promising areas of joint work, the head of Karelia noted. "I am confident that this agreement will help us step up trade and cooperation."
