At a plenary session in Novopolotsk on 27 June the participants of the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia discussed how innovations can help Belarus and Russia achieve technological independence, BelTA has learned.

The discussion was held on the premises of the Polymir plant of Naftan. The participants of the event studied samples of innovative products of Belarusian petrochemical enterprises. Business entities of the two states signed RUB6 billion worth of contracts to supply industrial equipment to Belarus and Russia. First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Ivan Abramov emphasized that the work to implement these contracts would start immediately, the supplies of necessary goods would get underway, and scientific personnel would exchange information.

According to Chairman of the Standing Committee for Economy, Budget and Finances of the Council of the Republic of Belarus Vladislav Tatarinovich, in order to achieve technological independence for the Union State, it is necessary to approach this matter comprehensively. “This involves not only the development of our own import-substituting technologies, the creation of the necessary infrastructure to produce raw materials and components, the construction of production facilities, as well as personnel training, but also, most importantly, joint action aimed at innovation,” he said. He emphasized that it is easier to address such problems together through joint projects.