Events

MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – Minsk and Shanghai will sign a cooperation agreement during the First China International Import Expo that will take place in Shanghai in November this year. Possible cooperation avenues and details of the presentation of Minsk at the expo were discussed at the meeting of Minsk Mayor Andrei Shorets with a delegation from Shanghai Pudong New Area on 26 July, BelTA has learned.

“The work on the agreement between Minsk and Shanghai is underway. A proposal has been put forward today to elaborate a similar agreement between Moscow District of Minsk and Pudong New Area. I think it will also be signed, because both sides are interested in it,” Andrei Shorets said following the meeting.

The parties discussed areas of mutual interest. “They include tourism (including business trips and sports tourism) and economic cooperation. Shanghai companies are welcome not only in the territory of the Great Stone park, but also in our free economic zones and other investment areas. Everyone will benefit from that. We want to see any company that will create new jobs and pay decent salaries. We will support them no matter what economic sector they represent,” the Minsk mayor said.

Chen Xi, Deputy Governor of Pudong New Area, Deputy Director of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration, noted that this is his first visit to Minsk and he is delighted by its beauty. Chen Xi invited the Minsk mayor to visit Shanghai, including for the purpose of taking part in the China International Import Expo.

Andrei Shorets emphasized that Minsk-based companies will make a large part of Belarus’ exposition in Shanghai. He asked what areas of business and what industries will be of interest to the target audience. Chen Xi recommended highlighting the food industry, tourism and sport.

The Belarusian delegation at the expo will include IT companies, representatives of the Hi-Tech Park, and FEZ Minsk. According to Director of the Minsk City Technopark Vladimir Davidovich, resident companies of the Minsk City Technopark will present plastic treatment solutions and technologies to produce medical lasers.

“We hope that this expo will give a boost to joint projects with Belarusian companies,” Chen Xi said.

The China International Import Expo will debut on 1-10 November 2018 as part of the New Silk Road Initiative promoted by China.