The plans are destined to come true

BELTA THIS YEAR THE KEY TOPIC OF MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE VIII FORUM OF REGIONS OF BELARUS AND RUSSIA – BUSINESS CONTACTS IN THE ERA OF HIGH TECHNOLOGIES. THE RESULT OF A THREE-DAY PLATFORM WORK IS THE SIGNING OF CONTRACTS FOR A RECORD AMOUNT.

Despite a difficult epidemic situation, the format of this event remained unchanged – a plenary meeting with the participation of heads of states, the work of specialized sessions and events on strengthening the trade and economic sector between the Belarusian and Russian regions. True, most of the negotiations and meetings took place online. Videoconferences linked the upper chambers of the parliaments: in Moscow — the Federation Council, in Minsk — the Council of the Republic.

Digital technologies are on the agenda

Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova and Chairperson of the Council of Federation Valentina Matvienko took part in the plenary meeting of the VIII Forum of Regions, dedicated to scientific and technical cooperation between the two countries in the era of digitalization. — Digital and other science-intensive technologies literally permeate all spheres of life, become a factor in both economic development of states and growth of the well-being of our citizens. Here Russia and Belarus certainly have an advantage: we have always been distinguished by a high level of academic sectorial science, the desire to effectively use the results of advanced research and development. It is natural that cooperation in the field of science and technology has been one of the priorities of our common work since the first years of the Union State, — noted Valentina Matvienko.

The head of the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament Natalya Kochanova drew attention to the fact that digitalization is not only a window of opportunity, but also a source of global challenges: — Cyber technologies are a powerful weapon that is often used for illegal purposes. It targets not only individual citizens. Information war unleashed against our countries and massive sanctions pressure have become a reality. Their goal is to weaken us, including technologically.

According to the participants of the plenary meeting, both from the Belarusian and Russian sides, the only sure way out of the current situation will be a consolidated opposition to threats from outside. — On the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, we can firmly say: we survived that war because we were united. We, legislators, need to be proactive. We are obliged to set up a reliable legal barrier to the propaganda of violence, incitement to anger and hatred, provocations, fakes and psychosis on the Internet. Ensure effective protection of personal data and personal space of a person from all-pervading electronic control. Joint development of approaches to regulation of the digital sphere will make it possible to take well-considered decisions at the national level, — emphasized Natalya Kochanova. — I propose to create a highlevel group on a bilateral basis both to study the issues of the legislation improvement in this direction, and to find ways of its effective implementation.

According to Natalya Kochanova, Belarus and Russia advocate the active use of digital technologies in training personnel highly-demanded by the economy, students and young scientists for scientific activities: — By combining our potential, we contribute to strengthening of the sovereignty and independence of our countries. The main resource in building knowledge economy is a person. We are justly proud that we have not only preserved a high level of education and scientific schools since Soviet times, but have also mastered new areas: IT, bio- and nanotechnology, bioinformatics. The needs of the branches of the national economy for specialists capable of effective application of advanced technologies are growing rapidly. Therefore, it is so important to unite the efforts of Belarus and Russia in ensuring the advanced rates of development of human resources.

Perspectives are based on confidence

Since cooperation within the Union State is increasingly entering the digital space, a significant part of the forum was dedicated to work with innovations and modern technologies in all spheres of life. — We pay great attention (and this is gratifying) to the issues of information security, information relations and, in general, the development of our society in the era of digitalization. It is important that within the relations between Russia

and Belarus, we are talking not only about gas, about issues of construction, trade and industry, but also about such important things as the environment, education and science in the era of digitalization, — said the Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research Oleg Makarov.

Viktor Liskovich, Chairperson of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus for Education, Science, Culture and Social Development, outlined the prospects for union partnership in the context of the pandemic, information wars, sanctions: — Belarus and Russia have significant scientific and technical, technological potential, which allows them to take leading positions in the world in many areas in the digital technologies field. Most of the regions of our countries participate in joint educational and scientific projects. Since 2000, 57 programs of the Union State have been implemented in radio electronics, microelectronics, space technologies and other areas. However, according to Sergei Rachkov, Chairperson of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus for Foreign Affairs and National Security, the real results of union programs can be felt only through the introduction of scientific achievements into the production process: — Despite the existing positive dynamics of high-tech industries in the real sector of the economy of Belarus and Russia, work in this direction should be taken to a higher level. The key role in the process should be played by the integration of scientific, educational and industrial organizations for the creation and launch of new joint technologies and products on the world market.

Information security of the future should be shaped today. Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Natalya Bocharova stressed that even in the pandemic year 2020, the two states managed not to slow down in the field of educational cooperation. Today, more than 10 thousand Belarusian students study in the Russian Federation, of which 3.7 thousand — on a budgetary basis. In 2021, the quota for Belarusian students was even increased and about 875 applications for this kind of training were received. — We are planning to meet with the State Secretary of the Union State Dmitry Mezentsev to open summer universities, which will be held in 12 of our universities in seven federal districts — from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. At the same time, about 700 Belarusian students will be able to take a two-week course there. The project involves 19 educational programs and seven intensive courses, — said Natalya Bocharova.

Success is in particular actions

The interaction of economies and industrial cooperation in the Union State is another topical subject on the integration agenda. — The Forum of Regions has proved its consistency and effectiveness. This is evidenced by the agreements and contracts that are signed on the sidelines of the forum. This is the platform where regional economic entities meet, the practice of existing legislation application is discussed as well as those topical points, issues that

During work of the forum

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Revelant topics were discussed at the forum

hinder further rapprochement. Then they are brought to a higher level, where the relevant legislative acts are adopted, — said Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Anatoly Isachenko at the interparliamentary commission of the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council on interregional cooperation. — In the context of sanctions pressure from the collective West, the issues of integration, amalgamation, and unification of legislation in certain areas are becoming important.

Today about 80 Russian regions participate in cooperation with Belarus. One of the most active is Bashkortostan, on the territory of which there are 14 enterprises created with the participation of Belarusian capital. And today the issue of not only expansion of the supply of Belarusian automotive, agricultural and construction equipment to the region is discussed, but also of the organization of its assembly at the local level. — Another example is Kursk region, where there are more than 80 brand stores of Belarusian manufacturers, and in the city of Kursk itself, Mozyr House-Building Plant is developing the "Belarusian Quarter" residential complex, — said Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Yuri Vorobyov. — In general, at the end of last year, the mutual trade turnover between the countries amounted to $29.5 billion. In the first quarter of this year as against the same period last year, it has grown by 21%. Belarus ranks fourth among Russia's trade partners, and first among the CIS countries. Moreover, Russian investments in the Belarusian economy last year exceeded $4 billion. The largest joint investment project is the construction of a two-unit Belarusian nuclear power plant. And all this became possible thanks to active work not only on the highest level, but also at the level of individual regions, companies, and people. We also talked about joint work in the field of import substitution. — The first steps have been taken — a project on integrated aircraft construction has been considered. The Belarusian side is ready to act as a platform for projects with a high economic effect — these are the socalled projects of the future in the field of innovative healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the creation of a smart city. We are interested in the Russian side joining us in the implementation of these plans, — made proposals Yury Chebotar, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Belarus.

A good tradition within the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is the meeting of the Business Cooperation Council. This year, at the forum, a number of commercial contracts for amount over $70 million were signed in the petrochemical and industrial sectors.

According to Tatyana Runets, Chairperson of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic for Economy, Budget and Finances, at the stage of post-Covid recovery, both the state and individual businesses are solving complex problems in order to enter the trajectory of sustainable growth, effective and consistent development of their competitive advantages, and strengthening of the investment potential. — In solving these problems, an important role for the economic entities of Belarus and Russia is played by the integration factor, the established ties between individual regions of our countries. Trade balance data confirm this thesis. We hope that our mutual trade will continue to grow, — emphasized the senator.

The focus of the Business Cooperation Council at the VIII Forum of Regions was on the elimination of barriers for expansion of economic cooperation, improvement of conditions for business in both countries. According to allied experts, the implementation of joint projects, mechanisms on support of cooperation and mutual investments are key conditions for full integration and further formation of the Union State.

OPINIONS

Dmitry Mezentsev, State Secretary of the Union State:

— Support of interregional cooperation is of utmost importance, including at the level of the upper chambers of the Parliament. They are traditionally responsible for attention to the regions, for taking into account their requests. The topic of digitalization of the national economy, the introduction of modern technologies into the practice of regional and municipal government makes us support local authorities in this important direction. Moreover, a number of regions already today need to try to use the positive experience that exists in Belarus and Russia.

Andriy Khudyk, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection:

— We are united with Russia by the proximity of territories, biodiversity, transboundary transport of pollutants, water protection, and the creation of joint biological reserves. At the same time, there are more global and pressing problems. First of all this is waste management. We have no doubts about cooperation with the Russian Federation in this area. There are serious agreements and prospects. Of course, Belarus has stepped forward in this regard, at least in the post-Soviet space. Russian colleagues are very interested in our experience, and we are ready to share it with them. Today joint measures are taken to minimize the consequences for the economies of countries in connection with the introduction of the EU carbon tax. These issues are discussed at joint boards and expert groups. At the Forum of Regions, we agreed to create a roadmap.

Yegor Makarevich, Chairperson of the Youth Parliament at the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus:

— Colleagues from the Russian Federation supported our proposal to hold next year a Belarusian-Russian youth economic forum within the Forum of Regions and its youth parliamentary agenda. We have a large number of young entrepreneurs, young leaders in public and private organizations. Therefore, it is extremely important to build economic and cooperative ties at the youth level as well. Why not invite, for example, successful leaders of the IT sphere, to discuss problem points, "under 30" entrepreneurship. This is a very promising initiative.

Vladimir Karanik, Chairperson of Grodno Regional Executive Committee:

— At the forum, agreements on interregional cooperation were signed with the Republic of Bashkortostan and Tomsk region. At the same time, Grodno region already has 25 cooperation agreements with the Russian Federation. Our region exports over 50% of its production there. We plan to further develop this direction, expand the geography of supplies, assortment and range of supplied products. However, scientific and technical cooperation is gaining even greater value. These are joint projects, developments that will not only stimulate mutual trade, but also increase the competitiveness of our companies in the foreign market by introduction of the most successful developments of Belarusian and Russian scientists. This is facilitated by the work within the forum. Life has clearly shown that it is too early to discount COVID-19 and our countries should be prepared for external shocks and be able to create the economy that will be resistant to external influences.

OUR REFERENCE

The I Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia was held in Minsk in 2014. About three hundred people took part therein then. Representatives of 19 Russian regions arrived in the Belarusian capital. Th e thematic outline of the discussions was the eff ective development of agro-industrial complexes as the most important condition for the food security of the Union State, and as a result, four agreements were signed. Subsequently, the forum was hosted by Sochi, Minsk, Moscow, Mogilev, St. Petersburg. Every year, the organizers chose a key focus for establishment of new contacts in interregional cooperation — industry, social sphere, IT technologies and innovations, trade and economic ties, humanitarian projects, economics. Moreover, each time the Forum of Regions gave real results not only in words, but also in the form of concluded contracts. For seven years of work, the regional partnership has concluded business agreements for a total amount of $3 billion and about 400 cooperation agreements at the level of individual departments, cities, regions, enterprises and companies.

Last year, due to the diffi cult epidemic situation, the Internet was for the fi rst time used as a platform for meetings: the thematic sections and the plenary meeting were held in the format of videoconferences. However, this did not prevent the Belarusian-Russian partners from signing contracts for a record amount of over $700 million.

Aleksey fedosov

argumentS In Support of actIve InterrelatIon

Great Stone China-Belarus industrial park, which is located near Minsk, proved itself not only as an attractive platform for doing business, but also became a venue for meetings when issues of bilateral cooperation are considered in the broadest context. So at the beginning of July, the Belarusian-Chinese forum was held there, during which experts discussed the results of joint work of the two countries in the scientific, economic, media and cultural spheres.

It should be stressed that this highprofile event in the Great Stone was held under the sign of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, which, as noted by the forum moderator, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Union of Journalists Andrei Krivosheev, largely influenced not only the fate of the Chinese people, but also destinies of the peoples of the world: — We would like to deeply, in a new way, rethink the party building of the PRC, as now Belarus is going through a very important stage in its development: the process of modernization of the Basic Law of the country, the Constitution, is underway, a new political and party field is being formed.

As Oleg Makarov, director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, noted, one of the phenomena is the adaptability of the Chinese model of socioeconomic and socio-political development. In this context, it is important that Belarus and the PRC have achieved a significant degree of integration, which is recognized throughout the world. The two countries have identified this level of interaction as an iron brotherhood.

According to Vadim Gigin, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarusian State University, the Chinese model is unique in many ways. First of all, because of its flexibility and productive use of the constructive potential of society.

Igor Marzalyuk, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Science of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, is convinced that cooperation between Belarus and China is very fruitful. This applies to both economic indicators and humanitarian relationships.

According to Deputy Information Minister Igor Buzovsky, in the face of intense competition and confrontation on the world stage, China won a civilizational victory. There is active cooperation

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Formal opening of the Belarusian-Chinese forum

between Belarus and the Celestial Empire in the media sphere. One of the distinctive projects is the publication of the book of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on public administration in the Belarusian language.

In his turn, Aleksey Sokol, the chairperson of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus, assessing the level of cooperation between Belarus and China, noted that the One Road One Belt Initiative has become the world's largest platform for business cooperation: — Thanks to the special, friendly relations between the leaders of our states and the merit of the Chinese Communist Party, the two countries are building strong economic ties. Last year alone, the trade between Belarus and China amounted to more than $4.5 billion, the export of Belarusian products increased by almost ten percent. At the end of last year, China became the second trade partner of our country after Russia. And this potential is growing every year.

Xie Xiaoyong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus, stressed that Belarus is an important all-round strategic partner of China and one of the first countries to respond to participation in One Belt One Road Initiative: — In recent years, the China-Belarus relations have made it possible to build up cooperation in various fields and yield fruitful results.

The ambassador highly appreciated the interregional cooperation. In antiepidemiological cooperation, the two countries also, according to him, showed that "friendship is more valuable than gold."

About fifteen speakers spoke during the forum. Lively discussions took place on the topics of the reports. As part of the event, an introductory tour of the Great Stone Research Center was conducted for its participants.

The head of the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park administration, Aleksandr Yaroshenko, drew attention to the fact that for many years China had been a strategic partner of Belarus:

— Our countries intensify interaction, actively implement initiatives and projects. The Great Stone is the largest project of successful bilateral cooperation. This is one of the key platforms of One Belt One Road Initiative, and the project largely contributes to its development, attracting progressive ideas and advanced technologies.

According to the First Deputy Minister of Education Irina Starovoitova, cooperation in the field of education between Belarus and China is moving in the mainstream of bilateral political and economic dialogue and is actively gathering pace. She also stressed that the basis of these relations was laid by the heads of the two states. Thanks to their efforts, a colossal potential was formed for the development of bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. "We, for our part, will make every effort to ensure further strengthening of fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our countries in the field of education. By shaping intellectual, scientific, creative and technological potential, it creates the basis for sustainable socio-economic development of the states and is the guarantor of social stability of the society", — said Irina Starovoitova.

Indeed, thanks to joint efforts, it was possible to significantly increase the dynamics and content of the BelarusianChinese interaction. Thus, the legal framework in the field of education between Belarus and China was formed by five agreements of the intergovernmental and interdepartmental level, and is supplemented by about 500 direct contracts on cooperation between educational institutions of the two countries. More than

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Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrey Krivosheev

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Aleksandr Yaroshenko, the head of the administration of the Great Stone ChinaBelarus Industrial Park

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There was a lively discussion at the forum

twenty joint educational programs of the first degree of higher education and more than ten of the second degree are being implemented. On the basis of educational institutions of the two countries, there are two joint educational structures and four scientific laboratories.

Undoubtedly, the implementation in 2019 of a significant initiative in BelarusianChinese relations – the Year of Belarusian Education in China was an important stage in bilateral cooperation. In close cooperation, the parties managed to hold a number of meaningful events of mutual interest at a high organizational level with broad participation of the academic and youth communities of Belarus and China.

Within the framework of cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, the promotion, support and expansion of opportunities for learning the Chinese language is of great importance. In Belarus, there are specialized Confucius institutes, Confucius stations, Confucius classes and centers for the study of the Chinese language at Belarusian institutions of higher education. — Undoubtedly, the results achieved convince us of the correctness of the chosen way, and also stimulate us to search for new breakthrough forms of interaction that will allow us to bring it to a qualitatively new level, — concluded Irina Starovoitova.

By the way, on the basis of the Faculty of International Relations of the Belarusian State University, a department for a comprehensive study of the PRC development will be formed in the new academic year. This was announced at the forum by the rector of BSU Andrey Korol. The department, in his opinion, will contribute to the strengthening of state relations between Belarus and China. — This is a very important vector that the university and, in general, different segments of the society need today, — said the rector.

Andrey Korol also noted the dynamics of cooperation between the Belarusian State University and the PRC, which resulted in the first graduation of 78 graduates from the joint Chinese-Belarusian institute, the growing popularity of the Belarusian university among Chinese citizens. Today there are about three thousand of them at BSU, which is 64 percent of the total number of foreign students of the university. In total, BSU interacts with Chinese universities and research institutes within the framework of 77 contracts. Among the recent ones, there is a memorandum that regulates cooperation in the field of education and science with Tsinghua University. This university is one of the leading in China, it is a member of nine elite Chinese universities in the C9 League. According to the QS rankings, it is the 15th among the best universities in the world and constantly tops the National Ranking of China Universities. Among its graduates there are many famous scientists, artists and politicians, for example two presidents of the PRC — Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping.

Rector of BSU thanked the representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus for support of the initiatives that are being implemented within the BelarusianChinese cooperation, and expressed confidence in the further expansion and deepening of partnership with China.

Meanwhile, after the BelarusianChinese Forum on Business, Scientific, Media and Cultural Cooperation, its participants could watch on-line the summit of the CPC and political parties of the world on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, in which the keynote speech was made by the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Vladimir Khromov