Business news

MINSK, 13 July (BelTA) - Minsk Oblast is set to increase trade with China this year, Minsk Oblast Governor Anatoly Isachenko told the media before a meeting with a delegation from Chongqing, China, BelTA has learned.

“In 2017 the trade between China and Minsk Oblast amounted to approximately $1 billion. I think this year we will beat this figure. In January-May we had approximately $500 million in trade,” Anatoly Isachenko noted.

Major exports to China, including to Chongqing, are mineral potash fertilizers, chemicals and agricultural products (oil, whey powder, cheese). “Enterprises of Minsk Oblast have been certified to export goods to China. For example, the certificates have been awarded to the Veles-Meat company to supply beef, to the Smolevichi Broiler poultry factory to export poultry,” the governor added.

During the official reception Anatoly Isachenko stressed that Minsk Oblast is interested in developing cooperation with Chongqing. “I hope we will expand contacts in trade, industry, agriculture, tourism and culture,” he said.

For his part, Chongqing Mayor Tang Liangzhi expressed readiness to work closely with the central region of Belarus in various avenues. “I am very excited about the opportunity to visit your beautiful country. This is my first official visit to Belarus after I took office as Mayor. The establishment of sister-city relations between Minsk Oblast and the city of Chongqing gave an impetus to interregional cooperation. I am sure, it has a huge potential,” he noted.

The guests from China are visiting Minsk Oblast on 13-15 July. They are set to take part in the opening ceremony of the Chongqing Culture and Tourism Days in Belarus, a ceremony to welcome the container trains from this Chinese city, to visit the Great Stone Industrial Park and the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.