Trade unions of Belarus and Egypt boost co-operation
The national professional centres of the two countries have been liaising for several years by now but this work is now reaching a new level – as agreed by the trade unions of Belarus and Egypt at a joint forum held in Alexandria (Egypt)
Mikhail Orda, the Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, stressed that the forum is a unique project. For the first time in the practice of international work, trade union co-operation is developing not only at the level of national trade union centres but also in almost all spheres of the economy.
“We are laying the foundation of relations within the framework of the agreements reached by the heads of state during bilateral working visits. We need to further develop our relations, including through co-operation between sector wide trade unions,” the President of the Federation of Trade Unions of Egypt, Gebali Mohamed Gebali Abdelmogis, noted.
The sides have exchanged experience in the practical activities of trade union centres, promotion of common initiatives in the international arena and contribution to establishment of partnerships between enterprises. In the future, joint projects can be shifted to a high government level.
The forum was also held on the basis of industrial enterprises of Egypt. One of them – Abo Qir – is a fertiliser plant with more than 40 years of history. It is interested in co-operation with the Belarusian market.
In addition, the Belarusian delegation visited a company specialising in production of a wide range of Ezz Steel metal products. Agreements on joint work have been reached in other areas as well. In education, for example, mutual student exchange programmes might be promoted and, in industry, the two states’ enterprises plan to enhance their liaisons. Overall, more than ten agreements have been signed.
Importantly, the two states’ trade unions have agreed to ensure recuperation of Belarusian and Egyptian workers – cutting the cost of accommodation and meals.
