Chinese Ambassador: amid the pandemic, trade and economic co-operation between China and Belarus continues to grow
Against the background of the pandemic, trade and economic co-operation between China and Belarus continues to grow – as stated by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus, Xie Xiaoyun, BelTA reports
"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belarus and China, as well as the fifth anniversary of the establishment of twinning relations between the city of Chongqing and the Minsk Region. In September 2022, the Chinese and Belarusian leaders jointly declared the development of bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership. At this important historical moment, the Belarus-Chongqing Economic Forum looks more relevant than ever – giving a new impetus to co-operation and making a new contribution to the development of bilateral ties. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, I would like to cordially congratulate you on holding the forum and wish success," Xie Xiaoyun said.
The Chinese diplomat noted that, in recent years, Belarusian-Chinese co-operation has been continuously strengthening in various fields – thanks to Xi Jinping and Aleksandr Lukashenko. Against the background of the pandemic, trade and economic liaisons continues to enhance. Moreover, the number of residents of such a landmark project as the Chinese-Belarusian Great Stone Industrial Park has reached 99.
"The International Import Expo has recently been held in Shanghai and, at the invitation of Xi Jinping, Aleksandr Lukashenko delivered a speech in the format of a video message," Xie Xiaoyun continued. “Many Belarusian enterprises took part in the fair, demonstrating the best Belarusian goods. Meanwhile, last January, the heads of our countries declared 2021 and 2022 the years of the regions. We have held 160 different events of interregional co-operation and exchange."
The Minsk Region and the city of Chongqing are also actively implementing the agreements reached by the heads of Belarus and China. According to the diplomat, this also helps strengthen international co-operation. In six years, the volume of trade between the city of Chongqing and Belarus amounted to almost $50m (an increase of 72 percent). In turn, imports of Belarusian goods to Chongqing increased by 121 percent, and they enjoy popularity in this Chinese city.
"Chongqing is a big industrial city. In turn, the Minsk Region is rich in natural resources and well-developed industry. We hope our co-operation in trade and economy will be promoted to an even higher level," Xie Xiaoyun concluded.
The Belarus-Chongqing Investment Forum – held in Minsk – resulted in signing of a number of protocols on the implementation of twinning relations between the city of Chongqing and the Minsk Region.
