What unites Vitebsk Region and Peterhof was discussed at the meeting between the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, and the Head of the Administration of the Petrodvortsovy District of St. Petersburg, Alexander Yakushev. The agenda included issues of mutual cooperation.

The visit of the Russian delegation took place within the framework of the St. Petersburg Days in Minsk, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of partnership relations between the cities and the meeting between the Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, and the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.

As Alexander Subbotin noted, the city on the Neva River is a strategic direction for the development of cooperation for the Vitebsk region, primarily in the real sector of the economy.

– We are expanding our foreign trade relations. Based on last year's results, we reached a joint trade turnover of 137 million dollars. Vitebsk region enterprises supply dairy products, televisions, polyethylene, fiberglass, cables, linen fabrics, footwear, medical devices, and other goods to St. Petersburg, – noted Alexander Subbotin.

The head of the region emphasized cooperation and the implementation of joint projects, including within the framework of the Union State. The Peterhof district hosts a number of unique industrial enterprises, in particular, a watch factory, a metalworking plant, the "Mashrybprom" plant, a poultry farm, and a subsidiary enterprise of the BSH Hausgeräte concern for the production of refrigerators and washing machines.

For its part, the Vitebsk region stands out from other regions of Belarus in terms of industrial production due to its greatest diversity. It includes petrochemicals, woodworking, machine tool manufacturing, textiles and footwear, and other industries, as well as a developed agro-industrial complex.

Therefore, emphasized Alexander Subbotin, partnership with St. Petersburg, and in particular with the Petrodvortsovy District, is a crucial component for us in creating a joint competitive product. It is important that our neighbors have a port, which will contribute to the promotion of products from Vitebsk region enterprises to cities in Russia and other countries.

– The city of Peterhof, which is part of the Petrodvortsovy District, has been granted the status of a science city of Russia. The Vitebsk region also possesses high scientific research potential, focused on applied research in the fields of biotechnology and biosafety, agriculture, and the textile and footwear industry. We are ready to discuss prospects for cooperation in these areas, – explained Alexander Subbotin, adding that, like our neighbors, the Vitebsk region has a rich historical and cultural heritage and significant tourism potential.

Alexander Yakushev is convinced that the Petrodvortsovy District also has something to offer. In addition to cooperation in the socio-economic sphere, these are projects in the field of tourism. The main attractions of the district are the palace and park ensembles of Peterhof, Oranienbaum, and the Konstantinovsky Palace.

– We have discussed points of convergence with historical sites and events that connect our region with your region. Furthermore, we are ready to offer education in our universities. There are points of convergence that are of interest to both sides, – noted Alexander Yakushev.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vitebsk region and the Petrodvortsovy District of St. Petersburg.

vitebsk-region.gov.by