Within An Agreement on cooperation between the Administration of the Smolensk Region and the holding DEHONDT technologies Développement (France) was signed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The document was signed by Governor Alexey Ostrovsky and CEO of the holding company Guillaume Deond.

The company DEHONDT technologies Développement specializes in the design development and production of a full range of equipment for cultivation, harvesting of trusts (flax straw) and primary processing of long flax fiber.

Based on the instructions of Governor Alexey Ostrovsky, flax growing has been and remains a key direction in the development of the agro-industrial complex of the Smolensk region. The administration of the region conducts systematic work to attract investors to the implementation of promising projects for the cultivation and processing of flax. With the assistance of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, a cluster for the production of high-quality flax products has been created in the Smolensk region. Today, the region is the only subject of the Russian Federation that has received Government support in this area.

The first negotiations on cooperation withDEHONDT technologies Développement took place in January of this year. During the working meeting, Guillaume Deond declared his readiness to join the cluster and contribute to its development and at the same time took the initiative to sign a Cooperation agreement during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

As part of the implementation of the Agreement, French investors plan to place on the basis of JSC "Vyazma Machine-Building Plant" a production complex for the production of flax harvesting machinery and equipment for the primary processing of long flax fiber, which will meet the needs of the Smolensk region in specialized equipment. Thanks to the implementation of this investment project, it is planned to double the acreage of flax in the region by 2025.

The governor comments Alexey Ostrovsky: "I am very glad that DEHONDT technologies Développement chose the Smolensk region for the implementation of the investment project. I have no doubt that the investments that Mr. Deond and his holding will invest in the regional economy will bring profit. This will allow us to create new jobs, increase tax revenues to the budget and implement the President's instructions in the field of social policy with even greater dedication to improve the quality of life of Smolyan people.

Source: Administration of the Smolensk region