By Nadezhda Radionova
These and other investment projects were discussed at the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, during a meeting with representatives of the China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC). According to the Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, Boris Batura, these projects are very important for the region. The high-speed tramline will connect Minsk with the ski resorts of Logoisk and Silichi, helping to increase the number of tourists and improving transport between the capital and nearby areas (Minsk’s future satellite towns). As for waste processing, this area is underdeveloped in the Minsk region now, with waste being transported to disposal fields. Such plants are thus badly needed in Zhodino, Borisov, Molodechno and Soligorsk, with Chinese partners offered sites for construction in these districts.
The Deputy General Director of the China National Technical Import and Export Corporation, Cheng Yong, invited Belarusian specialists to visit China to familiarise themselves with its waste processing facilities and see the technology in action. “Belarus is situated in the heart of Europe and has a strategic importance for China. Our trade and economic co-operation has been developing successfully, and is facilitated by meetings at the highest level. We believe that we have great prospects,” Mr. Yong noted.
Apart from the construction of a tramline and a waste plant, the Chinese partners will assist in projects to electrify the railways in Belarus (in particular, the Minsk-Zhlobin route), in addition to some projects in the energy sector (construction and upgrade of electric power stations and substations).
At present, the Minsk region is implementing 11 investment projects with the help of Chinese companies. Recently, the Minsk region authorities met the officials from the China CAMC Engineering Company to discuss the construction of a Chinese-Belarusian industrial park. Belarus offers three sites (ranging from 50 to 80 square kilometres) for this project in the Smolevichi, Pukhovichi and Dzerzhinsk districts.
