APCOM

The relations between Milano and Byelorussia look after "a cooperation agreement based on economic development, scientific research and culture, like the one already stipulated from Byelorussia with the cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg." It has been pointed out yesterday by Milano's mayor Letizia Moratti during a bilateral forum organised by Promos and Assolombarda at Palazzo Giureconsulti. Among the guests were Byelorussia's deputy prime minister Andrej Kobiakov and Diana Bracco, president of Assolombarda and vice-president of Milano's Chamber of Commerce.

"We go on strengthening the relations and the collaborations undertaken in the last few months thanks to the Expo's candidature" said the mayor, underlining how "our economies are complementary and these two days will allow us to know each other better and understand which are the mutual interests." In particular, Letizia Moratti explained that scientific research is "an essential field for the development of bilateral relations: research, the use of new technologies and university exchanges are the foundations for an enduring development, which stakes above all on the promotion of human capital."

Byelorussia, claimed Diana Bracco, "is experiencing an important period of growth and development. In 2006 the Gross National Product increased by 9.8% and investments by 31%." The trends of import-export trade with Italy are positive too. "This data confirm the opportunity of strengthening the mutual relations" commented the president of Assolombarda "and stimulate us to work even more intensely to promote any exchanges and the start of industrial collaborations."

"We'll set up a board that will include the government's members and the representatives of Milano's city council" announced Byelorussian vice-premier Kobiakov "Its task will be to stipulate a work programme within a medium-range prospect, and every year the projects of intervention will be weighed and implemented with those of the following year. This agreement is a great possibility for us to explore new common markets and offer new chances to our companies."