The action plan for 2008 on trade and economic, scientific-technical, humanitarian and cultural cooperation between the Vitebsk and Smolensk oblasts will be approved in mid April, BelTA learnt from Nikolai Fedorchuk, the head counselor of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee on border cooperation and trade. The document is expected to be signed on the border between the two oblasts with the participation of the heads of the Belarusian and Russian regions. The action plan has been developed in line with the cooperation agreement between the Vitebsk and Smolensk oblasts concluded in February 2008. It will allow the two regions to intensify the cooperation of governmental bodies, companies and organizations in various spheres, Nikolai Fedorchuk noted. According to the document, more than 100 joint measures will be held. In 2008 the two sides will sign an agreement on cooperation between the frontier regions of the Vitebsk and Smolensk oblasts. The Belarusian and Russian oblasts also will set up joint ventures, commodity distribution networks. The Vitebsk-based companies will supply equipment for construction of a deironing plant in one of the housing estates of Smolensk and also more than 13 million bricks for construction of various facilities in the Smolensk region. The two oblasts are expected to construct an automated refuse-fired plant in Smolensk. Agricultural companies of the Vitebsk and Smolensk oblasts intend to implement some joint projects in border regions. The regional mass media will conclude an agreement on information coverage and support of the cooperation between the two oblasts.