The Minsk oblast and the Lugansk oblast of signed an agreement on expanding cooperation in agriculture. The document was signed in the Minsk oblast executive committee on 1 July by Leonid Krupets, chairman of the Minsk oblast executive committee, and Alexander Olshansky, deputy chairman for agriculture of the Lugansk oblast administration. 

The sides intend to implement joint projects in pedigree cattle-breeding, seed selection, meat and dairy industry. The Lugansk oblast would like to sell lucerne and corn seeds and purchase Belarusian farm equipment. 

“We suggest creating a joint company or a subsidiary in to sell Belarusian farm machines. It can be headquartered in the premises of the Lugansk National Agrarian University . Considering limited financing, Belarusian machinery is optimal for us in terms of price and quality,” Alexander Olshansky said. 

In January-April, the trade between the Minsk and Lugansk oblasts totalled $998,900 (39.1% as against the same period 2008). Export reached $57,900, import $941,000. The Minsk oblast had a deficit of $883,100. 

The cooperation between the two regions is based on the agreement in trade, economic, sci-tech and cultural cooperation signed by the oblast administrations in 2003 and also on the agreement between Starobelsk regional administration of the Lugansk oblast and the Nesvizh regional executive committee of the Minsk oblast (2004). 

A delegation of the Lugansk oblast led by Alexander Olshansky is in the Minsk oblast on a visit on 1-4 July. The Ukrainian gusts are set to visit the Belarusian Agrarian Technical University , several companies in the Borisov and Logoisk regions, Dudutki-Tour company. On 3 July Alexander Olshanksy will attend the events to mark the 65th anniversary of ’ liberation. The delegation includes officials of the main agriculture department of the Lugansk oblast administration, the Lugansk seed-selection company, Agro-Lugan research association, Lugansk National Agrarian University , Lugansk Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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