Business news

GOMEL, 19 May (BelTA) – The Belarusian city of Gomel and the Chinese city of Huaian will continue increasing mutual trade. The relevant matters were discussed when a delegation of the Chinese city met with representatives of the Gomel city administration on 19 May, BelTA has learned.

Chairman of the Gomel Council of Deputies Ivan Borodinchik noted that in the 19 years since the agreement on twinning Gomel and Huaian was signed the bilateral cooperation has advanced far in the economic dimension. “However, the potential allows bolstering and advancing our partnership even more. Higher trade turnover should become the foundation of growth of the bilateral relations. In 2015 Gomel’s trade with China totaled $43.4 million,” he said.

The official said he hopes that the Gomel Economic Forum will provide incentives for increasing export to the People’s Republic of China. In particular, cooperation with Gomel manufacturers of meat and dairy products and the confectionery factory Spartak will be continued. Cooperation began when a Gomel Oblast delegation visited China in April 2016.

Deputy Chairman of the People's Political Consultative Council of Huaian Zhong Bo reminded that in its time the Chinese side received considerable aid from Gomel in the spheres of industry and education. He said he was confident that effective managerial decisions of the Chinese side will contribute to higher purchases of Gomel-made products.

The day before the 13^th Gomel Economic Forum representatives of the Gomel city administration discussed matters of development and cooperation with a delegation of another twin city — Clermont-Ferrand, France. Gomel Mayor Piotr Kirichenko remarked that fruitful relations exist between the two cities, particularly in the sphere of education, and it would be a good idea to actively advance economic cooperation in the future.

In turn, Clermont-Ferrand Mayor Olivier Bianchi said that the French side is interested in the implementation of various projects, of which agricultural ones can become a priority. Apart from that, the French side intends to set up an interregional network of sister cities soon. It will help increase the number of contacts, including for Gomel.