Minsk Oblast’s export to China exceeds $500m since 1 January

Since the beginning of the year, the export of products made in Minsk Oblast to China has exceeded $500 million, Minsk Oblast Deputy Governor Denis Kurlenko told reporters commenting on the outcomes of the recent visit of the Minsk Oblast delegation to China, BelTA has learned.

“Last year, we marked the tenth anniversary of the cooperation agreement between Minsk Oblast and China’s Guangdong Province. Our recent visit to China sought to intensify our cooperation, including business contacts. In addition to the Guangdong Province administration, we visited the Department of Agriculture and the local export and import association. During the visit, certain arrangements were reached to ramp up cooperation,” said Denis Kurlenko.

According to the deputy governor, the cooperation roadmap is currently being updated and fleshed out. “In the near future - maybe next week - we will send the draft to China for approval. A Chinese delegation is set to visit Minsk Oblast this year,” Denis Kurlenko said.

The Chinese side also expressed its interest in stepping up cooperation with the central region of Belarus. “Our products are really popular in China. Last year our export of meat, dairy and wood products to China more than doubled. This year the export to China has already exceeded $500 million. Our products are in demand there,” he is convinced.

The attraction of Chinese investment in Minsk Oblast was also discussed during the visit. The delegation of Belarus’ central region toured the largest local companies producing household appliances and automobiles, including electric vehicles. “We suggested various cooperation options to companies operating in our preferential zones, such as the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone. We saw a certain interest on the part of these companies and we will present our official proposals in the near future. I think that representatives of various businesses of Minsk Oblast will also visit Guangdong Province," Denis Kurlenko said.

He added that the Minsk Oblast delegation was received very well in China. “We also saw interest on their part, which is very important. You can be friends and have cordial relations, but this does not necessarily mean that these good relations will translate into something practical. Guangdong Province showed a sincere interest in practical aspects of our relations,” Denis Kurlenko added.