The Economic Development Unit at Bridgend County Borough Council has played host to an official visit from a business delegation from Belarus and representatives from the Belarusian Chamber of Trade and Industry.
The delegation, led by Chairman, Mr. Vasili Ramanau was visiting Bridgend in order to forge new businesses links with local companies in the Bridgend County Borough.
The delegation met with Bridgend-based Morris Line Engineering, Remploy Ltd, Court Colman Manor and Creation Development Trust. During their visit, they also took a tour of Spectrum Technologies PLC based on Bridgend Industrial Estate, who already source some of their supplies from Belarus.
The Chairman of the delegation was also presented with a plaque made from Welsh slate, by Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, Councillor Colin Teesdale, in commemoration of the visit.
The Mayor welcomed the delegations, by saying: “International links are very important. Many businesses in this area export and import and have international partners. It is all good for business, trade and the economy. It is one of the reasons we are pleased to greet you and I hope there will be positive outcomes for both sides. I hope your visit is a successful one and that relationships are built between our two areas.”
Also present at the event, was Councillor David Sage, Deputy Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, who has strong links with Belarus in terms of the supply of humanitarian aid. Commenting on the visit,
Councillor Sage said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the delegation from Belarus. My interests with the Country to date have been primarily related to humanitarian matters, so it was of great interest to see the country from a different perspective, that of business and international trade.”
Accompanying the delegation during their visit to Wales was Mr Michael Rye, Honorary Consul of Wales to the Republic of Belarus. Mr Rye said: “Welsh businessmen started showing an interest in establishing business contacts with Belarus back in 1990, as a result of humanitarian visits to the country. The interest has been growing ever since and the Belarusian government has made serious efforts to cultivate a favourable environment for foreign investment. “
He continued: “Belarus has developed its infrastructure, has a highly qualified and competitive labour force and benefits from a good geographical location. Trade turnover with the UK exceeds one billion US dollars and there are 135 enterprises in Belarus with British funding and a huge number of British companies showing growing interest in starting their business in Belarus.”
If you would like to know more about establishing business links with Belarus, please contact Michael Rye on 02920 611304.
