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Finnish business delegation meets with chairman of House of Representatives committee on international affairs

Syarhey Maskevich, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on International Affairs and Relations within the CIS, met with a Finnish business delegation in Minsk on November 26.

Belarus is interested in expanding cooperation with Finland and carrying out joint investment projects, Mr. Maskevich said.

The lower parliamentary chamber is ready for an "authoritative discussion of all problems," he said.

According to its head, MP Ilkka Kanerva, the delegation includes representatives of large companies interested to establish ties with Belarus. The delegation would therefore like to learn about the role of the National Assembly of Belarus in the development of the country's economy, he noted.

Also on Wednesday, the Finnish guests met with First Deputy Prime Minister Uladzimir Syamashka.

The delegation includes managers of 13 companies, which are specialized in consulting and engineering services, construction, and the manufacture of clothing, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and telecommunications, power generation and welding equipment.

The delegation is to leave Belarus on Friday.

According to official statisticians, Finland ranked 27th among Belarus' largest trading partners outside the CIS last year. Belarusian-Finnish trade amounted to $140 million in 2007, with Belarusian exports totaling $37.5 million. In the first nine months of 2008, Belarusian exports amounted to $92.6 million and imports to $125 million.

In Belarus, there are 11 companies involving Finnish capital.

The two countries have signed interstate agreements for the promotion and protection of investments, and on the avoidance of double taxation.