Tambov Oblast, Belarus urged to explore new forms of cooperation

      Tambov region of Russia offers Belarus to expand bilateral ties through new forms of cooperation, the head of the Tambov region Administration, Oleg Betin, said as he met with Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich in Minsk, BelTA reports. During the meeting with the Belarusian leader the parties talked over the possibility of cooperation in the field of science. "Michurinsk hosts an agricultural science town which cultivates fruits. Belarus, too, is developing its gardens. New promising fruit varieties are needed. We could work together on this,” said Oleg Betin The science town, according to the head of the Tambov region Administration, has a number of large companies which are engaged in potato cultivation.
Belarusian scientists work there on a permanent basis. In addition to pre-sale preparation of potato the parties could engage in processing, storage, and preservation of useful properties of the new crops. "This business could be very fruitful," said Oleg Betin. He also sees prospects of bilateral cooperation in the development of varieties of grain crops, sugar beets, etc.
In 2013, the trade between Belarus and Tambov Oblast exceeded $44 million, an increase of more than 9% in comparison with 2012.