Russia’s Ivanovo Oblast province has expressed interest to buy Belarusian flax for its linen mills to promote its linen industry. This was discussed recently at a meeting of a joint working group of both the countries at the Bellegprom light industry concern. After Bellegprom meets the domestic flax demand in 2020, it will consider shipping flax to Russia.
Bellegprom chief Tatyana Lugina said the matter will be discussed in greater detail later, according to a news agency report.
“The Association of Entrepreneurs in Textile and Garment Industry of Ivanovo Oblast suggested deeper integration in the light industry and cooperation in product marking,” Lugina said.
She said Belarusian and Russian manufacturers face similar problems, and therefore, the parties agreed to coordinate efforts in protecting the market of the Eurasian Economic Union from counterfeit products and mala fide competition.
The parties also discussed innovations in the industry, and efforts to ramp up production, step up cooperation and implement joint technology projects.
Russian partners praised the efficient work of the trading house of Orsha Linen Mill in Ivanovo Oblast.
An Ivanovo Oblast delegation was in Belarus on an official visit on 18-19 December. The delegation toured BelGee, MAZ and Slutsk Linen Mill. They also took part in a business forum to discuss trade and economic cooperation and in the presentation of investment and export potential of Ivanovo Oblast.