Feed news minsk.gov.by — City executive board http://minsk.gov.by/news/hall/ Last news by portal minsk.gov.by minsk.gov.by EN Computer Centre of Minsk City Executive Committee ® 2001—2008 Tue Feb 28 21:00:00 2012 GMT In the days of the Ice Hockey World Championship - 2014 in Minsk there will be about 20 thousand visitors http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2012/02/29/585/ In the days of the Ice Hockey World Championship - 2014 in Minsk there will be about 20 thousand visitors. This was announced at a press conference by Alexey Prokopovich, Head of the Department of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism of Minsk City Executive Committee held on February 28th.

"I am confident that we will hold the Ice Hockey World Championship at the highest level. To study the experience of other countries we have visited several similar tournaments where we observed the organization of events within the arenas, as well as the way they worked with the guests who came from other states to international forums. Getting ready for the World Championship-2014 we first proceeded from the probable number of guests of the tournament. According to our forecast of guests at the Championship, there will be around 20 thousand people. Hence we are planning to provide accommodation to this number of people" - said Alexey Prokopovich.

The Department of Consumer and Hotel Services of Minsk City Executive Committee has prepared a schematic map of hotels and halls of residence, including sports camps, sanatoria and health resort centers, which are located not far away from the city boundaries. "In accordance with this map we have estimated how many people can be accommodated there. The estimation was made with regard to the type of accommodation, beginning from the halls of residence and ending with 4-star hotels. The next step is connected with the set of services we can provide the World Championship guests with including meals, information services in the form of Wireless Internet service, "- said the Head of the Department of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism of Minsk City Executive Committee.

Speaking of catering, Alexey Prokopovich said that it will be possible to have meals not only in hotels, but also inside the arenas. "Furthermore, we assume that near each arena there will be a traditional camp for fans. Those who won’t get into the arena, will be able to watch the games live on big screens. These screens will be installed not only near the "Minsk-Arena" and "Chizhovka Arena" complexes, but in some important parts of the city’s center, which are always overcrowded - near the Palace of Sports, the Palace of the Republic, the National Library. Meals will be supplied by different catering establishments, including both Belarusian and foreign cuisine. Now we are working on a schematic map on which we will indicate catering establishments to be located in areas of public events that will take place during the World Championship".

Another important task connected with the Ice Hockey World Championship-2014 is the preparation of transport infrastructure, including meeting visitors at the airport, railway and bus stations. It is also necessary to be ready to receive guests who will be arriving in their own cars. "We need to thoroughly plan the work of the transport infrastructure, taking into account that new road junctions will be built and that there will be an electric train reaching the main arena. The map will also contain the routes of trolley buses, buses, fixed-route taxis, one can use to get to arenas from the hotels and the city center", - said Alexey Prokopovich.

Excursions to be offered to the guests of the World Championship will also be reflected on a special map-scheme. "The way how our visitors will spend their leisure-time is also very important. We are going to develop pedestrian and transport routes for excursions to be guided by experts speaking foreign languages. The Department of Culture of Minsk City Executive Committee will be in charge of the organization of cultural and entertaining activities. This will include folklore and theatrical presentations in crowded parts of the capital. Theaters and cinemas will also be at the service of the guests. We will have all necessary information about the participants in the presentations and the time they will be held. After all these maps are brought together, we will obtain a unique scenario of the Championship that will give our guests a clear picture of the services and events they will be offered. I do not think that such details are foreseen in all the countries that host world championships. Our goal is that every visitor must be fully informed both about the program of the Championship itself, and our capital,"- said Alexey Prokopovich.

He also recalled that recently Belarus Ice Hockey Federation had held a competition to choose an official travel agency for the Ice Hockey World Championship- 2014. The choice was made in favour of "TsentrKurort." In the next few days there will be a competition to choose the best ticket agency.

"At present we are preparing a presentation of the Ice Hockey World Championship-2014 which we would like to present at the time of the next world championships in Helsinki and Stockholm to be held on May 4-20. Our presentation materials will include everything I have just said at the press conference. We are going to Rene Fasel, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, about the progress we have made in the preparation for the World Championship,"- said Alexei Prokopovich.

In 2013, the "Minsk-Arena" will be the venue of the Cycle Track World Championship which will involve athletes from about 50 countries. According to Alexei Prokopovich, the city authorities consider that this tournament will become a kind of rehearsal for the reception and accommodation of sports delegations numbering around five thousand people. "Of course, the number of fans to attend the Cycle Track World Championship won’t be as large as that at the Ice Hockey World Championship. This tournament might be of great interest to the residents of nearby countries where cycling is cultivated on the track, Lithuania and Poland in particular. But as for us, we will have a good opportunity to find the best way for receiving delegations of athletes and accommodating them in our hotels. We will have a chance to see the quality of the services our hotels are going to offer."- added Alexey Prokopovich.

The Ice Hockey World Championship is to be held in Minsk from May 9 to May 25, 2014.

Responding to a question about what losses may be incurred by Minsk, if the World Cup of Hockey 2014 for political reasons, will be moved to another country, Head of Physical Education, Sport and Tourism of the Minsk city executive committee ensured that no losses will be: "No damages will not be as all activities associated with construction and renovation of facilities built into the master plan of the city. And those adjustments that we make in connection with the reception of the World Hockey Championship, they are insignificant. in transportation often hear talk about the costs that The whole country is working on the championship in 2014. But these talks are baseless, because the whole financial part involved in accordance with the general plan of the city. What should be done, it will be done. Another thing is that for all of us should be the goal. This applies to any person, and the capital and the country. We have this goal - in 2014. To him we need a qualitative approach, including the infrastructure of the city".

According to him, now Minsk is ready to accommodate 20 thousand people, and about five thousand is a reserve.

The volume of profit, which may be obtained from the World Cup of hockey, Alexei Prokopovich call failed "this profit can not count, not a question of my competence. In the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation created an organization that together with its partner International Ice Hockey Federation by" Infront "preparing the World Cup. It will address issues of advertising and distribution revenue. So this they need to ask. As for the money that gets the city from the reception, then this statistic we tamp, place where guests, impregnated, sell them a large number of services. Then it will be seen how much we spend and how much got it. But I just want to tell you that these championships are never at a loss for the right to conduct their struggle in all countries".

Hockey World Championship prepares to Minsk from 9 to May 25, 2014.]]> City executive board Tue Feb 28 21:00:00 2012 GMT In Minsk in 2011 the National list of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Belarus included 92 amenities http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2012/01/05/42/ 92 sites entered in the National list of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Belarus in Minsk in 2011. This information was provided to BelTA correspondent by Vitalina Rudikova, Head of the Department of Culture of Minsk City Executive Committee.

According to Vitalina Rudikova there is developed legislation which defines the procedures and activities in the field of historical and cultural heritage preservation. In Minsk in the near future they are going to adopt a regional program for the protection of historical and cultural heritage of the capital for 2012-2015.

Today 293 immovable objects of Minsk are on the National list of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic. This includes both individual buildings and structures, and systems - the historic center of Minsk (163 objects), buildings in K. Marx, Lenin, Kirov, Myasnikov streets, old wooden houses in North Lane, the National Technical University campus, Loshitsa estate and park facilities (ruins of chapel and a mill). Thus, together with the complexes the list of historical and cultural values of the capital includes 538 monuments of architecture, history, art and archeology, of which 143 dwelling houses are monuments of architecture, and apartment owners are also required to comply with the legislation.

Tangible heritage sites - monuments of architecture and urban design, history, archeology and art - are all around us in our everyday life. These are dwelling houses and office buildings, monuments, parks and cemetery landscapes, parks, churches, health care buildings, industrial facilities, bridges, mosaics and stained glass, tombs of famous people, hotels, areas related to the events of the First and Second World Wars, residential apartments, botanical gardens, theaters, museums, burial mounds of X-XI centuries and the archaeological layer in the historic center, the monument in Victory Square and the "Minsk - Hero City" obelisk. Monuments must be maintained in good condition, restored and rebuilt if necessary. The duty to protect sites of historical and cultural heritage is entrusted to their owners, who under the law must keep records, prepare security obligations and passports. Security commitments have been signed for almost all the historical and cultural values of the city, accounting documents (passports) are designed for 60% of these objects. In 2011 there were 12 cases in Minsk when protocols on administrative violations in the field of historical and cultural values were drawn.]]> City executive board Wed Jan 4 21:00:00 2012 GMT French retailer Carrefour may come to Minsk http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/08/24/2108/ As the "Minsk-news" Agency reports, today Deputy Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Alexander Borisenko met with Mr. Guy Maki, partner of the foreign company. The sides held talks on the prospects of opening branches of retail chain Carrefour in the capital.

- Several hundreds of investment projects, including the participation of foreign capital are being realized in Minsk - said Alexander Borisenko. - We are ready to discuss the proposals initiated by your company, to provide all possible assistance in terms of establishing business and partnership relations with our country.

To familiarize himself with the possibilities of work on the Belarusian market, during his visit to our country Guy Maki visited a number of shopping malls and processing plants of the capital. In his view, the opening of Carrefour stores will not only increase trade in the domestic market but will also facilitate the realization of Belarusian products abroad, because it will be pushed through the branches of French companies in other countries.

There are stores under the brand names owned by Carrefour in France, Spain, Latin America and the Middle East. The principle of the network: 80% of the sale of domestic products and 20% of imports.]]> City executive board Tue Aug 23 21:00:00 2011 GMT 27th European Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Minsk http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/05/27/1321/ The 27th European Championship in rhythmic gymnastics will be held in Minsk on May 27 - 29 at "Minsk-Arena". On May 27 and 28 it begins at 10.00, and on Sunday, May 29 - at 11.00.

"Spectators will in no way regret that they have come to the 27th European Championship in rhythmic gymnastics. All the world's strongest gymnasts are to be here. They begin their preparation for the London Olympics and are earning ranking points. So, welcome to the Championship! I assure you: you will never regret that you have decided to attend it. And the girls will undoubtedly be very pleased if the house is full. They appreciate emotional support. If the stands are full of people, they will be sure that they will be able to do their utmost,"- says head coach of Belarus Irina Leparskaya.

The head coach of Belarus didn’t bring herself to make any forecasts for the European Championship, but noted that "each of the gymnasts is dreaming of nothing but victory only".

Among the guests of the European Championship there will be the recent stars: Alina Kabaeva (now the Russian State Duma Deputy), Irina Chashchina, Anna Bessonova and Olga Kapranova. And the last three will participate in a traditional show of stars of world gymnastics, which will crown the tournament on the evening of May 29.]]> City executive board Thu May 26 21:00:00 2011 GMT Families of those killed in the Minsk metro to get monetary compensation http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/04/13/887/ The families of those who died as a result of the terrorist action which took place at "Oktyabrskaya" metro station last Monday, are to get monetary compensation. This was announced today by Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko during his visit to "Oktyabrskaya" metro station.

- Each family of the victims will receive a ten-thousand-dollar compensation- he said. - The size of sums of money to be paid to the injured has also been determined, he added.

According to N. Ladutko, the dead will be buried on 13-14 April. The funds for the funeral will be allocated from the city budget.

- The city budget is fully ready for it, - said N. Ladutko. - We have a reserve fund, which is designed for any emergencies. We have the funds that are necessary for burying the dead, and the funds will be used in the right way.]]> City executive board Tue Apr 12 21:00:00 2011 GMT In connection with the tragedy in the Minsk metro April 13 is announced a Day of Mourning http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/04/11/846/ In connection with the tragedy that occurred in the Minsk metro on April 11, 2011, April 13 is announced a Day of Mourning. This decision was made by the in Minsk City Executive Committee.

In connection with the tragic events that occurred at "Oktyabrskaya" metro station on 11 April 2011, the Minsk City Executive Committee has opened accounts for charitable donations in Banking Affiliate 539 of JSC "Belinvestbank", code 739:

№ Account Number Account Currency Currency Code
1. 3642740104035 Belarussian ruble 974
2. 3642740104064 Russian ruble 643
3. 3642740104048 USD 840
4. 3642740104051 Euro 978

Beneficiary - Minsk City Executive Committee, UNP 100621571

Telephone of Belinvestbank Reference Service: 146
]]> City executive board Sun Apr 10 21:00:00 2011 GMT Minsk project of public transport modernization has won the competition of the International Union of Public Transport http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/02/21/425/ The project of the modernization of public transport in the capital of Belarus, submitted by the Minsk City administration has been selected for an award of the winner of the competition of the International Union of Public Transport (IUPT) for Eastern Europe and Eurasia. This is stated in the letter received by the Minsk City Executive Committee from IUPT Secretary General Hans Rath. It is one of the projects that were submitted for the competition by 60 union member companies, Acting Chairman of the Economy Committee of the Minsk City Executive Committee Tatyana Kravchenko said at an operational meeting in the Minsk City Executive Committee today. The prize will be handed over to the delegation of Belarus at the IUPT World Congress to be held in Dubai on April 10-14. According to Tatyana Kravchenko, Mr Hans Rath requests the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee to lead the Belarusian delegation. The proposal has been supported by the RPO "Belarusian Union of Transport Workers", which in its turn proposes that the delegation should also include managers of the State Institution "Metropolitan Transport and Communications", State Enterprise "Minsktrans", Minsk subway, as well as companies producing passenger vehicles - MAZ and Belkommunmash . "In recent years much has been done for the development of public transport by the authorities of the capital. Over the past five-year period about 80% of the rolling stock has been updated", the "Minsk-news" Agency correspondent cited the words of Leontii Papenok, General Director of the "Minsktrans" State Enterprise. According to Leontii Papenok, in 2010 157 buses, 50 trolleybuses and 6 trams were purchased. At present the average age of public transport is from 3.5 to 4.5 years. This year the enterprise is also going to purchase 110 buses, 50 trolleybuses and 97 trams. In addition, this year they are going to complete the introduction of the navigation system of control over the movement of public transport. They are also working on the introduction of public land transport e-ticketing. Currently they are looking for a suitable option to pay a single passage through an electronic card and for this they are trying to create the necessary infrastructure. This system was planned to be introduced in 2012, however, the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee set a task of expediting the process.]]> City executive board Sun Feb 20 22:00:00 2011 GMT http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2011/01/18/151/ City executive board Mon Jan 17 22:00:00 2011 GMT Investment Agreement for Construction of Business Center Is Signed with Iranian Company "Kayson" http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/11/02/3336/ 250 million euros will be invested in the construction of the multipurpose business center "Magnet". A corresponding investment agreement with the Iranian Company "Kayson" was signed at the Minsk City Executive Committee. The document was signed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko and the Managing Director of the Company "Kayson" Mr. Mohammad Reza Ansari.

The complex will be constructed at the intersection of Nezavisimosti Avenue and Kalinovski Street. It includes a hotel, business center, sports, entertainment and shopping centers. It is planned that "Magnet" will be commissioned by 2014.

The role of the builder will be acted by Foreign Limited Liability Company "Belpars" which was created by "Kayson" Company for implementing projects in the territory of Belarus. The architectural design of the complex was made by the German designing organization BRT Engineering GmbH. Currently, they are finalizing the construction site and engineering and geologic surveys are carried out for the development of the construction project.

"We have been moving toward signing this agreement for one year and a half"- said Nikolai Ladutko. – "Today’s event is but confirmation that the intentions of the two parties are quite serious". The Chairman of the Executive Committee expressed his confidence that constructive cooperation with Iranian investors would continue and promised full support in implementing joint projects.

The Managing Director of the Company "Kayson" assured that the potential of Belarusian producers and builders would be used at a maximum. Much attention is to be paid to terms and quality of the construction. "Magnet" is bound to become one of the sights of Minsk, a kind of beacon for other foreign investors. "Many Iranian companies are interested in cooperation with Belarus", said Mohammad Reza Ansari.









]]> City executive board Mon Nov 1 22:00:00 2010 GMT Dinamo Minsk beat Severstal at Minsk-Arena http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/10/19/3171/ Dinamo Minsk won their third Kontinental Hockey league (KHL) game in a row after they beat Severstal Cherepovets (5-1) at Minsk-Arena on 15 October.

Stas, Platt, Dzemahin, Kulakov and Mikhalev scored for the Wisents on that night.

Dinamo scored 25 points in 16 KHL games. The Wisents are 3rd in Tarasov Division and 4th in the Western Conference standings.

Dinamo are set to play a series of four away games. The Wisents face SKA St Petersburg (18 October), Spartak (20), Severstal (22), and Lokomotiv (24). Then Dinamo play three games at Bobruisk-Arena, as Minsk-Arena will host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010. In Bobruisk Dinamo will face Dynamo Moscow (27), Vutyaz (29) and Dinamo Riga (31 October).

]]> City executive board Mon Oct 18 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk, China to implement $500m worth of projects http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/09/22/2826/ Minsk and China are ready to implement joint projects worth $500 million, Minsk Mayor Nikolai Ladutko said as he met with an official delegation of Harbin led by Lin Duo, Chairman of the People’s Government of Harbin City, on 21 September.

The negotiations focused on the issues regarding the construction of a China town in the Belarusian capital.

Nikolai Ladutko reminded that Mayor of Beijing Guo Jinlong has visited the Belarusian capital this year (BelTA - the then negotiations that highlighted the participation of Chinese companies in the construction of the residential district Lebyazhy were held in the Minsk City Hall on 18 June).

“We have good business relations with Chinese companies, and are getting ready for joint projects in Minsk,” the Minsk Mayor said. In his words, Belarus is planning to introduce an intellectual transport system jointly with the Alcatel Company. BUCC intends to construct a precast concrete plant and the Peking hotel in the Belarusian capital.

“The area we reserved three years ago in the city general layout will be named China town. By doing this we would like to confirm we have been consistent in our actions and are ready to implement the project providing all possible support to our partners,” Nikolai Ladutko stressed.

He also added that the visit of the Harbin official delegation led by Acting Mayor Lin Duo to Minsk demonstrates “the readiness of the Chinese partners to implement the projects”.

]]> City executive board Tue Sep 21 21:00:00 2010 GMT Magnificat festival to open in Minsk 7 September http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/08/10/2346/ The 6th international festival of Christian cinema and television Magnificat is to open in Minsk on 7 September. The festival will stay open till 11 September including in the town of Glubokoye, BelTA learnt from the Minsk curia of the Roman Catholic Church.

Magnificat will be a display of Belarusian and foreign cinema and television works directly related to gospel ideals and universal values. This year partaking in the contest will be representatives of 15 countries: Belarus, Australia, Germany, Georgia, India, Spain, Italy, Canada, China, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, the USA, Ukraine and Croatia.

The festival’s major objective is missionary enlightenment of the society and support of the universal values.

]]> City executive board Mon Aug 9 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk-Tehran flight might be operated every day http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/08/04/2280/ The Minsk-Tehran flight might be operated on a daily basis, Deputy Director General of the Belavia national carrier Igor Cherginets told reporters on 4 August, BelTA has learnt.

“This is quite an ambitious goal. But if the present day trends remain in place, this goal might be materialized in summer 2011,” he said.

Belavia has launched regular flights from Minsk to Stockholm and Tehran. A Belarusian airplane flew to Stockholm on 3 August (80% of the tickets were sold) and to Tehran the same day. The plane has come back to Minsk today carrying 66 passengers (about 70% of the tickets were sold).

“These flights were opened simultaneously for a reason. Otherwise, we would not be able to sell enough tickets to operate these flights. The transit flow from the Middle East and Scandinavia open great opportunity for the Belarusian national airline,” Igor Cherginets said. “This experiment is very interesting, and so far successful,” he added.

The Deputy Director General noted that Sweden alone is home to 130,000 Iranians. There are large Iranian communities in Denmark, Norway and other countries of North Europe.

Minsk-Tehran flight is operated twice a week; a two-way ticket costs from €330 (airport taxes not included).

]]> City executive board Tue Aug 3 21:00:00 2010 GMT Nikolai Ladutko appointed member of Council of Republic http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/07/20/2139/ Minsk Mayor Nikolai Ladutko has been appointed member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The relevant decree was signed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on 19 July, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.

Nikolai Ladutko was appointed member of the Council of the Republic in line with Part 2 Article 91 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus.

]]> City executive board Mon Jul 19 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk City Executive Committee Top Officials Met Representatives of the State General Reserve Fund of the Sultanate of Oman http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/07/01/1950/ A multipurpose complex is be built in the historical part of the capital

On 1 July the Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko met the Executive Director of the State General Reserve Fund of the Sultanate of Oman Mr. Warith Mubarak Al-Kharusi, "Minsk-News" Agency correspondent reports. The sides discussed issues pertaining to the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of 01.03.2010 № 93 "On condition for construction of a multipurpose complex in Minsk within the boundaries of Kupala – M.Bogdanovich streets – the River Svisloch" and exchanged investment agreements.

The multipurpose complex will be built on the designated territory by "Arol Properties Four" Foreign Limited Liability Company. The building of the project will be invested by the State General Reserve Fund of the Sultanate of Oman.

Nikolai Ladutko pointed out that luxurious residential apartments, a five-star hotel and shopping centers will be built in the center of Minsk. There will also be so called area of art where folk handicrafts will be exhibited, sculptures will be installed.

According to the Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee the project will transform the historical part of the capital. However, N.Ladutko stressed that the buildings of the Second Municipal Hospital representing architectural and historical value will remain. They will be rebuilt and renovated. It is planned that the development of the project will start next year.

   
]]> City executive board Wed Jun 30 21:00:00 2010 GMT Official Visit of Mayor of Beijing Guo Tszinlun http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/06/17/1839/ At the invitation of Nikolai Ladutko, Acting Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee, from 17 to 20 June 2010 the Mayor of Beijing (China) will be on an official visit to Minsk.

The program of the visit envisages ceremonial laying of wreaths at the Victory Square Obelisk, meetings and talks at the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus and Minsk City Executive Committee, visits to the city’s infrastructure projects ("Minsk-Arena" Multifunctional Cultural and Sports Complex, "Komarovsky Market" Municipal Unitary Enterprise, the City Hall), laying of the foundation stone at the construction site of "Lebiazhy" residential area.

Letter of Intent between Minsk City Executive Committee and People’s Government of Beijing Municipality Is Signed

Letter of Intent between the Minsk City Executive Committee and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality was signed in the Belarusian capital on 18 June. The document was signed by the Mayor of Beijing Guo Tszinlun and the Acting Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko, "Minsk-News" Agency reports. The Letter of Intent provides for the development of joint activities directed at enhancing and deepening bilateral economic cooperation and implementing joint projects. In particular, it envisages organization of meetings of business circles of Minsk and Beijing as well as all-round support for the realization of mutually agreed projects, including the construction of "Lebiazhy" residential area and the Beijing Hotel in Minsk. The two sides have also agreed to promote humanitarian, cultural and sports cooperation - to establish and develop direct contacts between educational institutions, youth associations, libraries and museums, arrange days of culture, exchange artistic groups, develop partnerships in the field of physical culture, sport and tourism.

According to the Mayor of Beijing, the Belarusian-Chinese relations are entering a new phase of all-round development and strategic cooperation. During the visit of the Vice-Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Belarus an agreement on cooperation in the field of architectural construction was signed. It covers 15 infrastructure projects totaling over 1.2 billion US dollars. Mr. Guo Tszinlun expressed hope that the construction of "Lebiazhy" residential area (today the Mayor of Beijing is going to take part in laying the foundation stone at the construction site) opens up a new page in the bilateral cooperation between the two cities.

]]> City executive board Wed Jun 16 21:00:00 2010 GMT Tea house to open in Minsk in 2013 http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/06/16/1813/ A tea house may be opened in Minsk on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of twin city relations between Minsk and the Japanese city of Sendai, said Acting Minsk Mayor Nikolai Ladutko as he met with a delegation from Sendai on 15 June.

“The Friendship Clock in Sendai public garden functions precisely, the cherry trees are growing, all we need is to open a tea house,” Nikolai Ladutko said. The Minsk architects can implement this project taking into account the blueprints of their Japanese colleagues. “In 2013 we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of twin city relations between Minsk and Sendai. The tea house may be opened on this occasion.

Minsk and Sendai established bilateral relations in1972. In April 1972 a delegation of Sendai led by then-mayor Takeshi Shimano visited Minsk. The sides signed a joint communique. On the 30th anniversary of the twin city relations the Minsk City Council decided to name the public garden near Belarusian State Music Theater in honor of the twin city of Sendai. Later a walkway of mountain cherry trees was planted there. Since 2001 a delegation of the Minsk athletes partakes in the annual Sendai international semi-marathon.

A delegation of Sendai’s University of Physical Culture led by its rector Hozawa Taiji is set to visit Belarusian State University of Physical Education and sports facilities of Minsk.

]]> City executive board Tue Jun 15 21:00:00 2010 GMT June 15, 2010 – Meeting with Delegation of Sendai University http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/06/15/1804/ On 15 June Acting Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee Nikolai Ladutko had a meeting with a delegation of Sendai University (Japan) headed by the Rector of the University Mr. Hozava Taiji. The delegation consisted of representatives of the University rhythmic gymnastics team and their coach – Maria Makarova from Belarus.

During the meeting Nikolai Ladutko stressed that the development of sister-city relationship between Minsk and Sendai which will be 40 years old in 2013 would continue.

"The fact that our athletes have possibility to hold joint training in rhythmic gymnastics in Minsk is great luck for us", said head of the Japanese delegation Mr. Hozava Taiji.

The bilateral relations between the cities of Minsk and Sendai began to establish in 1972, and in April 1973 the city of Minsk was visited by the Sendai delegation headed by the Mayor of the city Mr. Takeshi Shimano. During the visit a joint communiqué was signed. In 2001 the public garden that is located along Myasnikov Street, near the Belarusian State Musical Theatre, was named after the sister-city of Sendai – "Sendai Square". On 13 September 2002 there was an official ceremony of opening of "The Clock of Friendship" in Sendai Square. The clock was donated to the inhabitants of Minsk by the residents of Sendai.
]]> City executive board Mon Jun 14 21:00:00 2010 GMT Belavia, Air France sign interline-agreement http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/19/1562/ The Belarusian carrier Belavia and Air France have concluded a bilateral interline-agreement. Now the airline partners can accept each other’s travel tickets, BelTA learnt from the national air company.

This cooperation opens up new opportunities for travelers. “They will be able to buy electronic air tickets on the flights of the airline- partners all over the world,” Belavia said.

E-ticket has many advantages over a paper one especially for businessmen, who value their time. With an e-ticket technology, there is no need going to a Belavia office or traveling to an airport in advance to have a ticket issued. Moreover, e-ticket cannot be left behind or lost, while check-in with such a ticket is easy and time-saving.

Nowadays e-ticket is successfully used practically on all regular routes of Belavia. Belavia has signed more than 20 interline-agreements including with Аeroflot - Russian Airlines, CSA, LOT, Austrian, Air Baltic, Аerosvit, British Airways, KLM, Alitalia, Finnair and others.

Belavia was set up on 5 March 1996. The air company operates regular flights to 30 airports in 20 countries. Belavia is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The company meets the highest international safety standards.

]]> City executive board Tue May 18 21:00:00 2010 GMT International conference in Minsk to discuss ethnocultural development of Belarus http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/17/1540/ Scientists will discuss the ethnocultural development of Belarus in the 19th – early 21st century at the international conference in Minsk. The two-day international research conference will open in Belarus State University (History Department) on 19 May, BelTA learned from the press service of the university.

Attending the conference will be more than 80 researchers from Poland, Ukraine, Germany, professors of a number of Belarusian universities, representatives of Belarus’ museums and travel agencies.

Rector of Belarus State University Sergei Ablameiko, Culture Minister of Belarus Pavel Latushko, Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism Cheslav Shulga, Professor of Warsaw University Elzbieta Smulkowa will take part in the opening of the conference.

The conference will include five sections: “Ethnical Communities of Belarus”, “Traditional Belarusian Culture”, “Ethnocultural Processes”, “Museology and Tourist Science”, “Arts History and Critics”. Participants of the sections are set to discuss the principles of the modern Belarusian ethnology, the development of the traditional Belarusian culture, ethnocultural processes in Belarus, analyze the role of museums, their heritage and research activity.

The conference will be organized by the Historical Department of Belarus State University.

]]> City executive board Sun May 16 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk City Executive Committee and Prefecture of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow Signed a Document on Wider Cooperation http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/12/1479/ Program arrangements to the Agreement between the Minsk City Executive Committee and the Prefecture of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow have been signed in Minsk.

The document was signed by Nikolai Ladutko, Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, and Andrey Yefimov, Vice-Prefect of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow.

Partnership relations between the Belarusian capital and the Southern Administrative District of Moscow have been maintained since 2004, "Minsk-News" Agency correspondent reports. It is the fourth program that the Parties have signed. It provides for cooperation in different spheres of activity: education, public health, science, trade, municipal economy, exchange of commodities and services as well as a wide exchange of information. Much is to be done for the further arrangement of exhibitions and fairs. On the territory of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow it is also planned to realize a large investment project - the construction of the trading house "Minsk" for which a plot of land has already been assigned.

A delegation of the Southern Administrative District of Moscow visited Minsk from 8 to 10 May. During the visit the guests had meetings with the citizens of Minsk, participants in the defense of Moscow, took part in the festive events dedicated to the 65th Anniversary of Great Victory.]]> City executive board Tue May 11 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk Specialists to Participate in the Construction of Hanoi Underground http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/12/1480/ Possibilities of realization of a number of joint projects were discussed by the participants in the meeting. Thus it is planned to use Vietnamese capital in the construction of a three-star hotel, a trading house "Hanoi" and a restaurant in Minsk. Joint production of road-building machines is to be organized in Vietnam. Possibility of opening of Minsk trading house in Hanoi is also under consideration.

Possibilities of importing Vietnamese sea products to Belarus and exporting Belarusian goods to Vietnam were also discussed at the meeting.]]> City executive board Tue May 11 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk City Delegation to Participate in Festive Events on the Occasion of the Thousandth Anniversary of Hanoi http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/12/1481/ A Minsk City delegation will take part in the festive events to be dedicated to the Thousandth Anniversary of the City of Hanoi (Vietnam). According to "Minsk-News" Agency correspondent an official invitation to the festivities was handed over to Nikolai Ladutko, Acting Chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee during his meeting with the delegation of Hanoi.

The festive events are to take place from 1 to 10 October, this year. Among the participants in the festivities the Vietnamese would like to see not only Belarusian folk groups but businessmen too.

About 30 countries, including Japan and South Korea, have already confirmed their decision to participate in the festivities dedicated to the Thousandth Anniversary of Hanoi. Mr. Nguyen The Thao, Mayor of Hanoi, Chairman of the People's Committee, said that during the festivities it would be possible for the delegations to hold weeks of their national culture and economy.

The Belarusian capital has been maintaining close partnership relations with the Vietnamese capital since November 2004 - the time when the Agreement on the establishment of friendly relations and cooperation between the two cities was signed.]]> City executive board Tue May 11 21:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk companies-importers should create their own manufactures in Belarus - N.Ladutko http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/05/03/1370/


Minsk-based companies-importers should develop their own manufactures or start exporting goods, acting mayor of Minsk Nikolai Ladutko said at a session of the mayor’s office. The session summed up the social and economic development of the capital city in Q1 this year. Taking part in the session were chiefs of the companies-importers.

According to Nikolai Ladutko, the issue of increasing sales on foreign markets is getting to the forefront today. Importers need to develop the manufactures in the capital city, in the Minsk free economic zone and start exports. “We are not saying ‘no’ to you business. We are saying ‘yes’. But we would like you to get involved in export operations,” Nikolai Ladutko said. He instructed the chiefs of the privately-owned companies-importers to develop business plans on creating manufacturers inside the country.

In January-February this year more than 6,600 economic entities were involved in import in Minsk. Of them more than 5,800 do not have any departmental subordination. They imported goods to the tune of $764 million. The Minsk total import came to $1 billion.

There are 150 large importers in Minsk. The Minsk City hall recommends them to start exporting or to create their own manufactures. Certain results have been already achieved. In 2010 over 10 import-substituting manufactures will come on stream. The plans on the table are to start producing children’s and women’s hygiene products, metal constructions, housewares and so one. According to preliminary estimates, this will reduce import by $55 million a year.

In January-February Minsk had a trade deficit of 563.2 million, down $32.3 million as compared to the same months a year ago. Minsk is set to get a trade surplus by the end of 2012.

]]> City executive board Sun May 2 21:00:00 2010 GMT Nikolai Ladutko to study Riga’s experience in hosting World Hockey Championship http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/02/01/316/ Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Hall Nikolai Ladutko is set travel to Riga on 31 January -2 February to study the experience of Latvian authorities in the organization of major sport events, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Minsk City Hall.

Nikolai Ladutko will discuss a possibility of Latvia’s participation in the investment projects for the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk.

Nikolai Ladutko is set to meet with the administration of the Riga City Hall, representatives of the organizing committee of the 2006 IIHF World Championship in Riga, and representatives of Radiotehnika, Grindex and Lido companies.

A reminder, new hotels with the total capacity of 8,000 people are planned to be constructed in Minsk for the 2014 IIHF World Championship. A special program has been developed to provide quick connection between the facilities, accommodate guests. There are plans to construct road interchanges, widen several streets, and build hotels and service centers. The championship will take place at the Minsk-Arena and the Chizhovka-Arena. For the sake of convenience, the Minsk authorities have thoroughly worked out a plan of accommodation and transport connection between the sports grounds and hotels.

]]> City executive board Sun Jan 31 22:00:00 2010 GMT Minsk needs a breakthrough in the infrastructure development in 2 or 3 years - Nikolai Ladutko http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/01/26/267/ Minsk needs a crucial breakthrough in the development of transport infrastructure in two or three coming years, Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Council Nikolai Ladutko said at the session of the Minskstroy board on 26 January.

Nikolai Ladutko said that last year the Minsk construction industry failed to provide high labor efficiency at the design institutes. No engineering company in Minsk, except Belgosproekt and Minskproyekt, is able to develop major projects.

“Minsk lags behind the other cities in terms of transport infrastructure. It is inadmissible. We need a crucial breakthrough in the development of transport infrastructure in two or three coming years,” said Nikolai Ladutko.

He also criticized the total costs of design works that are unreasonably high. This problem should be considered in depth.
 

]]> City executive board Mon Jan 25 22:00:00 2010 GMT N.Ladutko: The Minsk City Hall’s agenda should be packed with concrete tasks in Year of Quality http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2010/01/04/8/ All the services and subdivisions of the Minsk City Hall should draw up a concrete action plan to be implemented in the Year of Quality, Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Hall Nikolai Ladutko said at a session with the officials of the Minsk City Council on 4 January, BelTA has learnt.

“The year 2010 was announced the Year of Quality. This year Minsk will focus on enhancing the economic performance of the city, stepping up investment activities, improving customer service by housing and public utilities services, social sphere,” Nikolai Ladutko said. He commissioned all the committees and services of the Minsk City Hall, enterprises of the city to prepare concrete measures to materialize the goals related to the Year of Quality. At the same time Nikolai Ladutko warned the officials against making empty plans, “there should not be any vague statements and tasks. The plans should be filled with concrete actions. You should not go around in circles”.

Nikolai Ladutko underlined that the events to be undertaken will cover all the areas of the city’s life. “We expect neighborhood police inspectors to significantly step up their efforts in maintaining law and order, brand new approaches from research and other organizations and enterprises of the city,” he said.

The Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Hall urged the officials to spare no effort in 2010, adding that the city has internal reserves to fulfill its goals.
 

]]> City executive board Sun Jan 3 22:00:00 2010 GMT Belarus-TV now available in Israel http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/12/14/5433/ The Belarus-TV international channel is now available for the customers of the Orange mobile network operator in Israel. Beginning 13 December 2009 all its subscribers got an opportunity to watch best Belarusian programmes and movies of the Belarus-TV channel, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company.

The broadcasting of Belarus-TV was launched in Israel after the National State Belarusian TV and Radio Company signed the relevant contract with I-RED Israel LTD.

The Belarus-TV international satellite TV channel was launched on 1 February 2005. The channel was founded by the National State TV and Radio Company for foreign audience, primarily for Russian and Belarusian-speaking people who live abroad. Belarus-TV is a 24/7 state-run non-commercial TV channel.

At first programmes of Belarus-TV were broadcast through Intelsat 904 satellite. Starting 7 May 2007 programmes of the channel are broadcast through Express-AM22 satellite that provides coverage in Russia (from Kaliningrad to the Urals), the CIS states, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

On 28 March 2008, Belarus-TV began to broadcast via satellite Galaxy 19 (97єW), which covers the territory of North America. This means owners of over 2 million antennae in the U.S. and Canada, as well as residents of Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico now have a chance to watch Belarusian television.

Belarus-TV broadcasts within the framework of the GlobeCast WorldTV Service which, apart from the Belarusian channel, distributes over 200 international and radio channels in 35 languages from 42 countries.

The National State Belarusian TV and Radio Company signed a contract with Russian Media Group, LLC on a charge-free broadcasting of Belarus-TV. Beginning April 15, the audience of RTN Platinum could watch Belarusian programmes. RTN Platinum consists of eight Russian TV channels broadcast by the Russian Media Group, LLC (New Jersey) 24/7. RTN Platinum has subscribers in 1100 cities in 39 states, mainly New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Boston. At the moment it includes RTN, RTN+, First Channel (Russia), RTR-Planeta, Vesti, Israel +, Russian World, Belarus TV and four radio channels.

]]> City executive board Sun Dec 13 22:00:00 2009 GMT Belarusian State University, Sweden’s RWI ink cooperation memorandum http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/12/03/5269/ The Belarusian State University and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law of the Lund University (Sweden) have signed a cooperation memorandum. The document was signed by BSU Rector, Academician Sergei Ablameiko and Leif Holmstrom, RWI Director.

The memorandum provides for cooperation in publishing international humanitarian law study guides for Belarusian universities. There are also plans to carry out programs and projects for sharing information and best practices, exchange programs for professors, organization of seminars, and partnership in the area of librarianship.

According to Sergei Ablameiko, the memorandum will be an important step in promoting cooperation and carrying out joint BSU-RWI projects.

]]> City executive board Wed Dec 2 22:00:00 2009 GMT Minsk, Arbil to establish partnership relations http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/11/26/5162/ Minsk and Arbil need to sign a framework agreement on establishing partnership relations, deputy chairman of the Minsk city council Alexander Borisenko said as he met with an official delegation of Iraqi Arbil in Minsk on 25 November.

This is the first time the officials of the mayor’s office and businessmen of Arbil have come over to Belarus.

Alexander Borisenko expressed hope that the visit will give an impetus to the development of good partnership relations. He also expressed the interest in developing economic relations between the cities. “So far we have no business and partnership relations. We need to bridge this gap,” he said.

Addressing Asaad Ahmed Asaad, the head of the delegation, director for foreign links and planning of the mayor’s office, Alexander Borisenko said that the guests will be taken on a guided tour of the capital city to get familiar with its economic, scientific and cultural potential of Minsk. “We will find common ground. We are ready to consider any proposals,” Alexander Borisenko assured.

Alexander Borisenko noted that the Minsk authorities are ready to propose the future partners to take part in Minsk’s investment projects (Minsk is set to carry out around 100 investment projects at the amount of nearly $25 billion in 2008-2012).

In turn, Asaad Ahmed Asaad noted that Arbil is interested in Minsk’s experience of developing municipal services. “Arbil has started developing its infrastructure. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the regional economy. Therefore we need investments, equipment and other things,” Asaad Ahmed Asaad said.

According to Asaad Ahmed Asaad, Arbil could become a platform for Minsk to promote its products across the region. “Today it is safe here. Companies from all over the world open their offices here to promote their goods in the future,” Asaad Ahmed Asaad underscored.

The official of the Arbil administration also noted that Arbil businessmen would like to meet with representatives of the Belarusian business community: producers of goods, services and construction companies.

]]> City executive board Wed Nov 25 22:00:00 2009 GMT Tourist center and residential neighborhood to be built in Minsk suburbs http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/11/24/5132/ A sports and tourist center and Primorsky residential neighborhood will be built on the shore of the Zaslavl Water Reservoir also known as the Minsk Sea, 10km away from Minsk. The project is estimated at €1.5 billion. The source of financing is the investments of OXES Finance from the Czech Republic, Andrei Misko, professor of the economy department of the Belarusian State University, business-planning consultant, the project developer, said at the project presentation in Minsk.

The project got a preliminary approval, but it still needs to be submitted to the head of state, said Gennady Alekseenko, First Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee. “So far we have the concept. A big work lies ahead of us. As for certain structures and buildings it is clear that the adjustments and amendments will be introduced. The work with the investor also lies ahead,” he said.

According to Andrei Misko, when making economic estimates of the project the preferences provided to investors under Decree No 10 were taken into account. The project is expected to be launched in May 2010. Design works will be completed in 2010-2011. The construction will be finished in 2014-2015. A range of sports facilities in Minsk will be commissioned in 2014 ahead of the IIHF World Championships in Minsk. Andrei Misko stressed, this will be a unique complex unmatched in Belarus and in other neighboring countries. The project payback period is around five years. The new facilities will be sold or leased, he said.

The residential neighborhood will cover approximately 200,000 square meters. It will include 30-storied block of apartments, social and trading facilities. A preliminary volume of investments will make up nearly €280 million. The project embraces a hotel complex (with €700 million of investments), guest villas (€44 million). There are plans to construct about 100-150 wooden cabins. The most important sports facilities that are to be erected include an ice arena for 5,000 seats, a universal sports arena, a swimming pool and a ski and roller track.

The project envisages the construction of a yacht club with a pier for 100 yachts, an entertainment center for children, casinos and bowling. The reconstruction of roads, widening of the Kolodishchi-Zaslavl highway up to four lines, construction of viaducts and additional roads to connect Minsk with the to-be-constructed center are also in the plans.

According to Andrei Martynov, deputy director of the tourism department of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of Belarus, the project will help attract more visitors to the country.

OXES Development is one of the biggest and rapidly growing groups of developers in Czechia. It includes five firms and joint ventures. The company was founded in 2003.

]]> City executive board Mon Nov 23 22:00:00 2009 GMT Nikolai Ladutko: Minsk would like to set up joint company with Vietnam http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/08/17/3495/ “The Minsk City Council considers your visit as a serious step on the way of development and strengthening of the bilateral cooperation,” Nikolai Ladutko said. He also showed an interest in setting up a joint or foreign company in Minsk or Hanoi. “If you have concrete proposals we will sign the memorandum on cooperation and outline the concrete terms of its implementation,” the Acting Chairman of the Minsk City Council noted.

Minsk and Hanoi signed the cooperation agreement in 2004. According to Nikolai Ladutko, the development of labour relations between the two cities is promising. For instance, Minsk construction sites employ some 90 Vietnamese workers. In turn, Minsk is ready to provide engineering support for various projects in Hanoi (engineers, designers, constructors). “If our cities would like to strengthen the cooperation, we have to do it regardless a long distance,” Nikolai Ladutko underscored.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to sign the cooperation agreement between the Minsk office of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hanoi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. ]]> City executive board Sun Aug 16 21:00:00 2009 GMT President Makes New Appointments http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2009/06/10/2399/ Nikolai Ladutko

- First Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, acting chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee

The President has sanctioned the following appointments:

Alexander Borisenko

- as Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee

Andrei Yasyuchenya

- as Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee

]]> City executive board Tue Jun 9 21:00:00 2009 GMT Minsk, Eindhoven to exchange experience in sport and education http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/12/09/3301/ We toured of the social facilities of the Belarusian capital and we were impressed with the level of attention sport gets in Minsk and also with the level of accessibility of sports facilities for the population, the foreign guest said.
Ms Ans Heesterbeek was also impressed with the high level of economic development of Minsk, the city design. “Eindhoven is known as the city of illumination. The same can be said about Minsk. Especially spectacular is the night local lighting of buildings,” she said. According to her, the two cities can cooperate in the area of education. “Eindhoven is known as the city of well-developed high technologies, therefore our cities can cooperate in this area too,” Ms Ans Heesterbeek believes.
Minsk Mayor Mikhail Pavlov mentioned that the capital attaches a great importance to the twin-town relations and said that he would like to see closer cooperation in all areas – cultural, humanitarian, economic and investment ones. The Mayor invited his counterpart to pay a visit to Minsk.
The participants of the meeting touched upon the global financial crisis. The Minsk Mayor underlined that despite the global economic recession, the city economy and industry keep growing, and all the programmes are being fulfilled. “We are taking the necessary measures to enable the enterprises to continue working and people to receive a good salary,” Mikhail Pavlov said. The representative of the Dutch delegation stated that “Eindhoven felt the repercussions of the crisis” and suggested that the two cities share the experience in mitigating its negative consequences.
The twin-town relations between Minsk and Eindhoven were established in 1994. At present the Belarusian capital has 17 twin-towns, including Sendai (Japan), Bangalore (India), Lyon (France), Ankara (Turkey), Abu-Dhabi (UAE). Apart from that, the partnership relations have been established with 60 towns of Russia, CIS and non-CIS countries.]]> City executive board Mon Dec 8 22:00:00 2008 GMT Turkey keen to partake in reconstruction of Minsk roads http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/10/13/2668/ The specialists of the Belarusian company visited Antalya last week to get familiar with the experience of the Turkish colleagues. The Minsk delegation was, first of all, interested in the traffic management. The amount of crossroads is minimal on the Turkish roads. Preference is given to tunnels that are constructed very quickly, within two or five months.

According to Ivan Gurinovich, members of the Turkish companies expressed interest in the implementation of several projects in Minsk. At present the construction of bridges at Dzerzhinski Avenue and Timiryazeva Street is discussed with the Turkish side. Turkey is ready to send up to 400 constructors to Minsk for these purposes.

A range of issues that yet to be settled include the development of projects, Belarusian and Turkish normative bases and price formation systems. The first negotiations with the officials of the Turkish design organization will take place in Minsk on October 15. ]]> City executive board Sun Oct 12 21:00:00 2008 GMT An official delegation of Sendai to visit Minsk August 19-22 http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/08/15/2145/ The programme of the visit of the official delegation includes a meeting and talks with Mikhail Pavlov, chairman of Minsk City Council, the visits of trade and industrial enterprises of Minsk, health care institution 'Minsk consulting and diagnostic centre', Sindai’s square, sight-seeing tour of the city.

Sendai and Minsk established twin-town relations in 1973.

]]> City executive board Thu Aug 14 21:00:00 2008 GMT Construction of Moscow House in Minsk to expand cooperation of two capitals, Mikhail Pavlov says http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/08/01/2001/ A delegation of the Moscow Government is in Minsk to discuss the implementation of big investment projects in the Belarusian capital.

Mikhail Pavlov noted that the Belarusian leadership and the Moscow Government established strong friendly relations. They are carrying out big town planning projects: “Minsk City”, business centers, housing, the Moscow House.

“We are interested in the Russian experience in architecture, planning concept, design,” Mikhail Pavlov noted.

The centre of business and culture Moscow House (a representation of Moscow) will be constructed at the intersection of Osvobozhdeniya and Kommunisticheskaya streets of Minsk. It will be a four-story building with offices, a restaurant, a hotel and a conference room. The construction is expected to be completed by December this year. ]]> City executive board Thu Jul 31 21:00:00 2008 GMT Minsk, Seoul sign memorandum of understanding http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/07/14/1799/ According to Mikhail Pavlov, the cooperation within the framework of the memorandum will allow the two capitals to share experience in different areas. For instance, Minsk is interested in the experience of Korean specialists in housing construction and organization of the work of public transport.

Minsk has recently intensified the cooperation with big cities of the Far East. Last year the Days of Belarusian culture were held in the Chinese Changchun and the Days of Japanese Sendai were held in the Belarusian capital. An exhibition dedicated to Mink is expected to be held in Japan in autumn this year.

Minsk has signed twin-town agreements with 14 cities. Moreover, the Belarusian capital maintains close relations with almost 80 cities-partners. ]]> City executive board Sun Jul 13 21:00:00 2008 GMT Alexander Lukashenko wants faster accomplishment of investment projects in Minsk http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/06/27/1666/ The head of state was informed about the fulfilment of instructions he personally controls. In particular, they discussed the implementation of investment projects in Minsk by Oman and a large Israeli company, which plans to move the computer plant outside the city. The Minsk Mayor said, investments for one of the projects will make at least $200 million.
The President was also informed about the fulfilment of instructions relating to the reconstruction of municipal companies.
The President and the Mayor also talked over preparing Minsk for the celebration of the Belarus Independence Day.
The head of state gave an instruction to make Independence Day celebrations interesting. The events should not repeat scenarios of celebrations held in previous years.
]]> City executive board Thu Jun 26 21:00:00 2008 GMT Minsk Pays Great Attention to Development of Minsk-Ankara Relationships http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/06/19/1555/ ]]> City executive board Wed Jun 18 21:00:00 2008 GMT Solemn ceremony of Investiture with orders of Mother took place in the City Hall http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/05/16/1185/ In total 297 mothers of many children were presented with the order for the last 12 years, and 16 of them got the order this year.

]]> City executive board Thu May 15 21:00:00 2008 GMT The delegation of representatives of Serboluzhitski Society of Cultural and Arts workers is in Minsk http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/05/15/1179/ German writers of political essays got cordial welcome in the city hall. During the meeting Oleg Tabanuhov, the deputy chairman of Minsk City Executive Committee, told about perspective development of the capital. Visitors from the FRG asked many questions about the role of the state sector in the economy, residential building, salaries, leisure, national minorities and shared their impressions on what they had seen.

]]> City executive board Wed May 14 21:00:00 2008 GMT Belarus can dominate some segments of Ukraine’s market, Valentin Velichko says http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/03/11/587/ “We have all opportunities to grow our share in some segments of Ukraine’s market,” the diplomat said. “In terms of BelAZ mining equipment we are in the lead already – the mining-and-processing integrated works has been equipped with Belarusian products by 90%. BelAZ has proved efficient and neither Caterpillar no Mitsubishi has any alternative. Our equipment is reliable and we need to maintain its quality,” the ambassador said.

Valentin Velichko is confident that within two or three years Belarus can grow its share on the market of wheeled tractors. Every year Belarus exports 8 thousand tractors to the neighbouring country. A total of 17 thousand tractors have been delivered to Ukraine recently. By bringing the share to 30 thousand we will be able to speak about the domination on this segment, Valentin Velichko said. In his opinion, the deliveries of elevators have been gaining momentum too. The share of Belarus-made elevators account for 30% of Ukraine’ market, MAZ vehicles – 40%. “Today the market of Ukraine offers good growth opportunities. Belarus can increase the deliveries by 40-50%,” the diplomat believes.

Answering the question as to the prospects of leasing the underground gas deposits in Ukraine, Valentine Velichko said that so far there has been no need to. “There was a proposal to store Belarusian gas in the gas deposit in the Lvov oblast,” he said. Belarus can use the capacities in Ukraine in case the country has extra gas in summer to stock it for winter or for emergency situations. “So far there has been no need in using additional capacities,” the diplomat said.

Speaking about the cost of Ukraine’s electricity, Valentin Velichko said that Ukraine sells electricity through the wholesale market. In his words, “the price for Belarus will not be lower” as “no preferences will be made for one country to the detriment of profitability. “In Ukraine the price on the domestic market is not much lower than the export prices,” he added. Today Belarus does not purchase electricity from Ukraine.

]]> City executive board Mon Mar 10 22:00:00 2008 GMT Minsk and Chinese Hohhot to establish friendly relations http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2008/02/15/392/ The agreement on establishing the friendly relations is expected to be signed during a return visit of the Belarusian delegation to China.

Minsk and Hohhot have already established good relations in the educational sphere. At present the Chinese guests expressed a wish to establish the same cooperation in economy, culture and sport.

The programme of the visit of the Chinese guests to Minsk includes meetings with the leadership of Belarus State Economic University and the Belarusian Railways. The Chinese delegation will attend the performance of the Belarusian ballet in the Palace of Republic. ]]> City executive board Thu Feb 14 22:00:00 2008 GMT The Days of Minsk in Changchun (China) http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/11/15/3287/ The programme of the Days of Minsk in Changchun which will be held at the central Changchun`s library will open with an exhibition “Today`s Minsk”. The programme also contains showing of a film about Minsk, concerts of creative collectives: State Academic Zhynovich Folk Instruments Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, folk music band “Biaseda”, a vocal group “Chisty Golos”, Belarusian State Honoured choreographic ensemble 'Horoshki', as well as soloists of Belarussian Opera.

Moreover, representatives of 14 Minsk’s enterprises will present their goods and services, visit Changchun`s industrial enterprises, conduct negotiations with potential partners. Minsk`s representatives of higher educational institutions – Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University, Academy of Management under the President of the Republic of Belarus, Belarusian State Universtity of Informatics and Radioelectronics will maintain close contacts.

]]> City executive board Wed Nov 14 22:00:00 2007 GMT Twin-town relations between Ankara and Minsk http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/11/13/3257/ The agreement is called to promote collaboration and an exchange of experience of municipalities in the spheres of city sanitary and environment, transport, construction, modernization and planning of municipal economy, as well as in the spheres of culture and sports aimed at the improvement of cooperation between the twin-towns.

]]> City executive board Mon Nov 12 22:00:00 2007 GMT Minsk City Business Centre to Be Constructed Within 10 Years http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/10/31/3106/
The construction of Minsk City business centre should be accelerated, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told a session involving top executives of ITERA International Group of Companies on October 30.

The President instructed to complete relocation of Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant by January 1, 2010 and launch the large-scale construction in 2010. The business centre will occupy an area of 300 hectares with over 1.5 million square meters of housing, thousands of offices and social facilities. Minsk City will provide over 55,000 new jobs. Besides, the adjacent territory will be changed.

According to Minsk Mayor Mikhail Pavlov, this will be the biggest project the country has ever implemented.

ITERA International Group of Companies will be the main contractor. It will set up a joint venture with the Minsk City Council. Several subcontractors will be involved in the construction as well. The investments will total $7 billion. According Mikhail Pavlov, “this is a well calculated project” which will be fully funded by investors. The project design is estimated at $200 million. In accordance with the project, Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant will be relocated without job cuts.

Chief architect of Minsk Viktor Nikitin reported that the design offered by the Russian party was approved by Minsk architects and that the construction of Minsk City could be started.

]]> City executive board Tue Oct 30 22:00:00 2007 GMT Investments from Oman http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/07/06/2041/ According to Vyacheslav Kushner the vice-president of Mingorispolkom, Oman has shown interest to all projects which have been presented. They included construction of hotels, large trading, administrative, sports and cultural-entertaining complexes.

- The most perspective directions of investment - the real estate, tourism and adjacent spheres with them. The sides plan creation of joint ventures. It is assured, that we can find common inters, - Varit Al Harusi the executive director of the State general reserve fund of Oman has emphasized at meeting in Mingorispolkom.

Chairman of the Minsk City Council Mikhail Pavlov believes it viable to organize tourist exchange between Belarus and Oman.

When delivering a speech at a meeting with the official delegation of Oman, the Mayor of the Belarusian capital stressed that Minsk and Oman “have perfect recreational opportunities”. “I believe that you will be interested in visiting Minsk in winter in order to ski in here. On the whole, there are many interesting recreational places in Belarus,” Mikhail Pavlov said.

Mikhail Pavlov also informed the guests that the authorities of the two countries had been considering establishing twin-town relations between Minsk and Masqat. “The Masqat Mayor is expected to visit Minsk in September this year. During the visit we will discuss opportunities of signing a relevant agreement,” the Minsk Mayor said.

]]> City executive board Thu Jul 5 21:00:00 2007 GMT New level of cooperation between Minsk and Krasnodar http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/06/27/1972/ The document was signed within the framework of an official visit of a delegation of that Russian region to Minsk. According to Chairman of the Minsk City Council Mikhail Pavlov, due to the agreement, the sides will cooperate not only at the level of the city administrations but in the sphere of education and health care as well. Minsk and Krasnodar also decided to expand trade-economic relations.

Mikhail Pavlov noted, the main goal of the bilateral ties is to give the work for companies and businessmen of Minsk and Krasnodar.

]]> City executive board Tue Jun 26 21:00:00 2007 GMT Minsk and Krasnodar arrange ties http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/06/25/1940/ According to the source, on the first day the guests are expected to be taken on a guided tour around the capital of Belarus. Major events are scheduled for June 26. On this day members of the delegation will meet with Minsk Mayor Mikhail Pavlov and a cooperation agreement will be signed. The Russian delegation will also visit mechanical engineering companies Belkommunmash and Amkodor. Apart from that, the guests will be made familiar with the operation of Minsk’s municipal housing economy and the practices used to introduce one-stop service procedures here. A visit to the national mountain ski resort Silichi and the mountain ski sport and recreation complex Logoisk are on the schedule.

]]> City executive board Sun Jun 24 21:00:00 2007 GMT Distance not barrier for twin cities http://minsk.gov.by/en/news/hall/2007/05/21/1616/ On May 17, an alley of the national symbol of Japan – sakura – was planted in the Sendai Public Garden in Minsk. A year ago, Sendai presented Minsk with the saplings of the tree. According to Mikhail Pavlov, the laying out of the alley will become an important event in the history of the Belarusian-Japanese relations, which have great development prospects. The Chairman of the Minsk City thanked the Sendai Municipality for the attention and assistance in developing friendly relations.

The two cities exchange delegations on a permanent basis. The bilateral ties are developed in various spheres. The Clock of Friendship – a gift of residents of Sendai – was installed in the garden by the Music Theater of Minsk, which was renamed the Sendai Public Garden.

]]> City executive board Sun May 20 21:00:00 2007 GMT