Investment forum in Paris to promote Belarusian-French economic cooperation

– The investment forum in Paris will contribute to the enhancement of Belarusian-French economic cooperation. The statement was made by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France Pavel Latushko. The Ambassador took part in the presentation of Belarus’ economy and investment opportunities in the headquarters of France’s largest union of employers MEDEF on 6 June, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about Belarusian-French trade turnover, the Ambassador underlined the dynamics of the trade growth. In 2012 and in January-April 2013 Belarus-France trade rose by 30%. This year Belarus’ export has increased by virtually 50%. Yet Pavel Latushko stated that Belarus and France have not yet reached the level of trade relations registered in 2008 - $650 million. “I think it is primarily necessary to try to surpass this threshold as early as this year and then put consistent efforts into expanding our trade and economic relations,” believes the Ambassador.

Pavel Latushko said he was confident that the present investment forum and multiple bilateral negotiations will contribute to the enhancement of economic relations.

Negotiations between representatives of BelAZ and three major companies of France were held. The French side expressed interest in buying Belarusian products in the future. Pavel Latushko said that this year a commercial contract has been signed to resume deliveries of Belarusian machines to the French market. It includes the aid of French companies for the promotion of Belarusian machines to Africa.

At the forum representatives of Belarusian sugar refineries held negotiations on buying equipment that can be used to modernize manufacturing facilities to create additional capacity for exporting this merchandise to Europe.

The Ambassador pointed out the intense program of the visit of Economy Minister Nikolai Snopkov and Finance Minister Andrei Kharkovets to France. Apart from the investment forum the Belarusian officials are expected to hold meetings and negotiations with representatives of ministries and roughly a dozen of French companies, which are interested in cooperation with Belarus.

The investment forum gathered over 60 Belarusian and French enterprises and organizations. The event was organized by the Belarusian Economy Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Embassy of Belarus in France, the National Agency of Investment and Privatization of Belarus, and MEDEF (Movement of the Enterprises of France).