Viet Nam News spoke with Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus Valery Sadokho on the occasion of Belarus' National Day tomorrow.
How will Belarus celebrate its Independence Day this year, since 2011 marks the 20th anniversary since the country gained autonomy?
Ambassador Valery Sadokho
The celebration starts with an upbeat address from the President, followed by a more solemn wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. A military and civil parade then displays the pride and achievements of the country. Concerts, fairs and other festivals also commence in the capital and in every town. Finally, fireworks light up horizon lines across the nation, signifying the end of the holiday.
I'd like to point out that this day is dedicated to the liberation of the capital from the fascist occupation in 1944, not only to the gaining of independence in 1991 so we do not consider that one date to have primary significance.
How has the Belarusian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Co-operation progressed? What benefits has the Commission provided to both sides?
The volume of trade between Belarus and Viet Nam over the last five years has increased by almost five times and reached US$145million in 2010. Current year growth is also impressive - the level of turnover for four months increased almost four times. We supply potash fertilisers, construction machinery, steel products, tires, and food products to Viet Nam, which in turn provides us not only with traditional staples such as rice, seafood, and coffee but also new high-tech electronics.
The Belarusian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission on trade and economic co-operation is an important mechanism in the development of mutually beneficial relations. As a result of the November 2010 meeting in Minsk, both sides signed on to a detailed intergovernmental programme of economic co-operation for 2011-12. This document includes very important guidelines for further enhancing our mutual partnership in such fields as trade, investments, industry, agriculture, science and technology, education, etc.
Notably, the commission considered the status of a free trade agreement between the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Viet Nam. I'm confident that signing this agreement will significantly increase our turnover.
A view of Minsk, the capital of Belarus. — VNA/VNS Photo
We can also develop mutual trade through industrial co-operation: the establishment of joint ventures and assembly plants. For example, currently the production of Belarusian trucks in Viet Nam is successfully enlarging. Joint exploration of mineral deposits in Viet Nam and other countries also looks promising.
Fairs, conferences and business delegations play an important role in enhancing contacts between our countries. In fact, Belarus is going to organise a national exhibition and business forum in HCM City from November 30th to December 3rd, 2011.
How well has the Vietnamese population in Belarus integrated into the local environment? What are the biggest challenges?
Belarus at a glance
Area: 207,600sq.km
Population: about 9.5 million
Capital: Minsk
Language: Belarusian, Russian
Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYR)
National Flag: Red and green horizontal strips, a vertical red and white ornamental pattern
The Vietnamese expatriate community in Belarus is not very large, actually, but all citizens from Viet Nam who come to our country receive a warm welcome. Our people, despite the very significant geographic distance, have very much in common, in our history and in our hearts. Many Vietnamese expatriates have achieved great success so I can state with complete confidence that our small Vietnamese community has integrated quite well into the local environment and traditions of Belarus. I'd also like to extend my gratitude for the hospitable conditions found by Belarusians who come to Viet Nam.
Area: 207,600sq.km
Population: about 9.5 million
Capital: Minsk
Language: Belarusian, Russian
Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYR)
National Flag: Red and green horizontal strips, a vertical red and white ornamental pattern
Do you have plans to facilitate cultural exchange in the near future?
Belarus and Viet Nam co-operate very closely in many different spheres and culture is not an exception. Last autumn there were official Days of Vietnamese Culture held in Belarus, and we have plans to organise Belarusian culture days in Viet Nam soon. We sent invitations to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for Vietnamese representatives to take part in cultural events like cinema festivals, the "Slavonic bazaar" and more. We also proposed that Belarusian orchestras and bands perform in Viet Nam. Therefore, taking into consideration the mutual effort, I'm confident that we'll have success in the near future.— VNS
