The main theme of the forum, which has been held since 2014 under the auspices of the Russian Federation Council and the Council of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, is “The role of interregional cooperation in building the innovative economy of the State of the Union.” The cities of Vitebsk, Polotsk and Novopolotsk were chosen as the main venues for the events.
Representatives of 57 constituent entities of the Russian Federation were invited to participate in the forum: 37 senior regional officials and 42 heads of legislative bodies.
Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Novosibirsk region Andrei Shimkiv and Deputy Chairman of the regional parliament Mayis Mamedov took part in the work of the agricultural section, where they examined new technologies in the agro-industrial complex of Belarus and Russia, issues scientific and personnel support to the agroindustrial complex. The emphasis is on consolidating the efforts of the two Union State countries in developing the agricultural sector. Andrey Shymkiv described the section’s work as “very encouraging.”
– The time has passed when we were informed about the commercial turnover between our countries. Now it is necessary to conquer other markets, expand cooperation to promote agricultural products in other countries,” commented Andrei Shymkiv.
The section also discussed the topic of infant feeding. According to experts, currently 90 percent of baby food in Russia and Belarus is produced by import. In turn, Andrey Shimkiv noted that this issue has long been of concern to deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the Novosibirsk region.
– According to the speakers, the Union State budget surplus is one and a half billion rubles and has not yet been used due to the lack of joint programs to work in this direction. Speakers suggested that regional leaders work on initiatives in this direction. I believe that this proposal will be formalized in the section’s decision,” summarized the president of the regional parliament.
