MINSK, March 2 (BelTA) – A mini-plant producing pomegranate juice is to be built in the Minsk oblast, Deputy Chairman of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee Valery Skakun told reporters on February 28.

This issue was discussed during the visit of the Minsk oblast delegation headed by Chairman of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee Leonid Krupets to Azerbaijan. 'We are interested in producing pomegranate juice in the region. This opportunity is being discussed and details are being studied jointly with Azerbaijan,' Valery Skakun noted.

The meeting was set to discuss deliveries of vegetables and fruits to Belarus. Azerbaijani companies showed interest in purchasing Belarusian machinery, construction materials, woodworking products, meat and dairy products. Certain agreements were concluded as well. In particular, Belarus started to deliver BelAZ automobiles. 'There are many interesting avenues of cooperation,' Valery Skakun said.

The Minsk oblast delegation visited Azerbaijan on February 22-26. During the visit, the delegation had talks with the Azerbaijani Prime Minister and the First Deputy Prime Minister. The Belarusian officials also had meetings at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and Ministry of Economic Development. The members of the Belarusian delegation got familiar with the work of the biggest Azerbaijani companies – Azersun, Akkord and Veisaloglu.

Besides, Baku hosted a forum for businessmen from Azerbaijan and Minsk and the Minsk oblast. An exhibition-sale of Belarusian products also was held in the Azeri capital.

Participating in the visit were heads of 16 enterprises such as Minsk oblast consumer's association, Minsk oblast meat and diary industry, Promagrolizing, Zabudova, Izobudpromstroi companies, Belarusian Autoworks, Borisovdrev, Molodechnomebel, Vileyka repair works, Midivisana, and other companies.

In 2008, the trade between the Minsk oblast and Azerbaijan made up $14.4 million, 17.5% up as against 2007. The Minsk oblast exported goods at the amount of $14.3 million; imported goods at the amount of $146,500. The Minsk oblast posted a surplus in trade with Azerbaijan at the amount of more than $14.1 million. Main Belarus’ exports to Azerbaijan were sugar, dishware, medicines and others. Belarus mainly imported fruits and handling equipment from Azerbaijan. Belarusian companies – Borisov Pharmaceutical Plant and Autohydrousilitel have their dealer centres in Baku.