Ambassador: Belarus, China set record trade turnover in 2023
Last year, Belarusian manufacturers began to supply 134 new products to China – as informed by Aleksandr Chervyakov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to China, in his talk with the ONT TV channel
Photo: video screenshot
2023 will go down in the history of Belarus and China as the year when a record trade turnover was set between the two countries, and two different figures are voiced: $7.7bn and $8.4bn. Mr. Chervyakov commented on which of them is correct, “We always use our Belarusian statistics for a certain analysis and assessment of foreign trade turnover. Actually, the both figures are correct this time, and the difference between Belarusian and Chinese statistics is primarily due to the methods, approaches and time of accounting that vary. I can give you an example. A cargo is shipped from China, for example, in mid-December, and it is registered as part of Chinese exports. At the same time, Belarus gets it February of the new year, so we register it in the appropriate statistics. There has always been such a gap. In addition, price factors influence, so these both figures are correct.”
Last year, exports of Belarusian goods increased by 20 percent against the 2022 level, but – as noted by the diplomat – the potential for co-operation is higher. “The growth was not bad: more than 20 percent. I would like to note that Belarus’ government and enterprises work in a consistent manner in the Chinese market, and sales are growing. However, the export potential is much higher," he said.
Mr. Chervyakov also commented on the structure of Belarusian exports, “Of course, speaking of the structure of our exports, the products of chemical industries are in the lead: various types of mineral fertilisers and so on. They are followed by food and agricultural products: milk, meat products, beef. Woodworking products and rapeseed oil are next in line. Actually, everything related to the chemical and food industry, agriculture and woodworking enjoy the greatest demand.”
The diplomat explained what Belarus sold to China for the first time in 2023, “Last year was very special, because Belarus supplied more than 330 products to the Chinese market. Our exports are formed by 332 commodity items, and 134 of them were introduced last year alone. Canned meat occupies a special place in this list. We also began selling ice cream, wheat flour and dry mashed potatoes to China. In addition, Belarus exports lifting machines, animal feed, and so on. Actually, I would like to point out that the Chinese market is very difficult for any manufacturer to enter, since the competition there is extremely high. Companies from all over the world are present there, and Chinese buyers place very high demand. Naturally, all products entering the Chinese market should be of very high quality and reasonably priced.”
In 2024, China plans to build a modern stadium and a swimming pool in Belarus, and Mr. Chervyakov commented on the Belarusian plans in China, “The issue of creating a cultural centre of Belarus in Beijing is being worked out, and we still hope to open it. This will give us completely different advantages, because the work will take place in China and Beijing on a permanent basis. Last year, a Belarusian restaurant offering Belarusian cuisine began its work in Beijing.”
The diplomat also informed on what the both countries expect from their co-operation this year, “I would not like to get ahead of events, but 2024 will be no less eventful than last year. The only thing I can say is that we plan to hold a fairly large-scale economic forum in Minsk with the participation of the regions of China and Belarus. Naturally, we need to prepare for this forum. Various exhibitions will be organised, and we also plan to participate in events in China as honorary guests representing Belarus’ Minsk and Grodno regions.”
