04.04.2010.

On March 31, the Freeport of Riga Authority and the Minsk Free Economic Zone signed a protocol of intent and cooperation agreement about mutual support in promotion of business activity among entrepreneurs from Latvia and Belarus, who already operate or plan to operate within the territory of the Minsk free economic zone or the Freeport of Riga.

The document was signed by Mr Alexander Ahremchik, the Director of the administration of the Minsk Free Economic zone, and by Mr Ainars Slesers, the Board Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Authority.

The above mentioned documents confirm the interest of both sides in promotion of long-term cooperation of their countries’ business structures. The agreement anticipates rapid information exchange regarding the legislation changes in Latvia and Belarus, which may directly or indirectly affect the activity of business. Furthermore it anticipates delivery of full information regarding the possibilities for current and potential business representatives. This is expected to result in improved quality of service and economic activity.

The Belarusian delegation consisted of ten people representing entrepreneurs, politicians and administration of the Minsk Free Economic Zone. During the business forum the representatives from Belarus expressed gratification for cooperation during the organizational process of the visit to Ms Zanete Jaunzeme Grende (Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Mr Andris Ozols (Latvian Investment and Development Agency), Mr Kirovs Lipmans (JSC Grindeks), Mr Nabels Shneiders (representative of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia, Doctor of Agriculture Science) and others. Entrepreneurs used this chance to meet the Belarusian representatives in order to discuss the potential types of cooperation during individual meetings. Mr Ainars Slesers pointed out: “The agreement is the result of cooperation already lasting for several years, and there is no need to improve relations, but to solidify them with successful business. Cooperation is mutually beneficial for both sides because Latvia is a member of the European Union, whilst Belarus is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and thus it will be easier for us to enter CIS markets, and it will be easier for Belarus to access the European market. We are interested in attracting the transit of export goods from Belarus because this country's manufacturing and export volumes continue to increase each year. For example, Belarusian manufacturers of agriculture technology send around 500 units of technology per month just to Venezuela. Currently they use the Port of Klaipeda for this purpose. And this is only one of examples. The cooperation agreement will give a beneficial status for Belarusian export via Latvia, and will guarantee high quality service to our entrepreneurs within the territory of the Minsk Free Economic Zone and a gate to other CIS countries.”

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