"I try to bring more France to Belarus and the Brest region," Stephane Chmelewsky, the French ambassador to Belarus, told reporters in Brest on Thursday, while speaking about the purpose of his two-day visit to the region.
On March 11, the diplomat had a meeting with Konstantin Sumar, chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee, to discuss the European Union's enlargement, customs practices and transit
conditions, the development of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and cultural contacts. "I want to see the life of a region that will soon border on the European Union," Mr. Chmelewsky said at a news conference that followed the meeting. "I visited a customhouse yesterday, and today I am going to familiarize myself with the operation of a freight traffic checkpoint, visit the free economic zone and talk to representatives of non-governmental organizations," he said.
The ambassador's visit coincided with the beginning of the Francophone Week in Brest. It began on Wednesday with performances of works by Chopin in the local Music College and a showing of Francois Ozon's Huit Femmes (Eight Women).
The region maintains close contacts with French provinces in the cultural and economic spheres, according to the regional government's Information Office. In particular, several local dance companies and orchestras toured France last year. Last year's trade between the Brest region and France totaled $18.5 million, with the region's trade deficit amounting to $10.5 million. It supplied France with textile clothing, casein, furniture and fabrics and imported chemical products, meat and meat products, polymer and textile materials, vehicles, liquor and various equipment. The region has four enterprises involving French capital. The Brest government currently seeks to establish contacts with the Agricultural Chamber of the Finistere province and considers joint machine-building projects with the Paris-based LOAD.
Konstantin Sumar, the newly appointed chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee, described the development of the agricultural sector as the regional government's main economic priority in 2004.
Local farms are projected to harvest a total of one million tons of grain this fall, which is vital for accumulating enough food resources in the region, Mr. Sumar told reporters in Brest on March 11 following his meeting with Stephane Chmelewsky, the French ambassador to Belarus.
The region should follow the lead of France, which has well-developed livestock breeding, vegetable farming and food processing sectors, he said. Mr. Sumar expressed an intention to concentrate his effort into reviving the region's defense and light industry enterprises.
He declined to say whether there would be a reshuffle in the regional government. However, several officials, including Eduard Sokolov, first deputy chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, have
already resigned. Mr. Sumar promised that he would not hedge local managers and officials about with restrictions.
Mr. Sumar had served in the position of tax minister before his March 9 appointment. The Regional Soviet is soon expected to hold a special session consider approving the appointment.
12 March 2004