Posted: 13.03.2024 09:39:00

Chinese express


Aleksandr Chervyakov on the record trade turnover between Belarus and China last year and the expectations of bilateral co-operation between the countries in 2024

In 2023, Belarusian manufacturers began to supply 134 new product names to China, thereby setting a record trade turnover between the countries. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to China Aleksandr Chervyakov revealed what allowed the countries to secure this achievement.                                                

Ambassador of Belarus to China Aleksandr Chervyakov
Exports of domestically produced goods increased by 20 percent last year compared to 2022. Both our enterprises and the Government are currently working systematically to expand Belarus’ presence on the Chinese market, which ensures consistent sales growth. Still, the potential for co-operation is higher than that, according to the Ambassador. Aleksandr Chervyakov told in detail which Belarusian goods are most in demand in the Celestial Empire,
"If we talk about export structure, the products of chemical industries
are in the lead. These include various types of mineral fertilisers and
so on. The second place is occupied by food and agricultural products,
like dairy products, livestock products, beef. Woodworking products and rapeseed oil take the next place."

The diplomat also revealed what products Minsk supplied to Beijing in 2023 for the first time, “Our exports are formed by 332 commodity items. Last year alone, we introduced 134 new product names to the export assortment. Among these, I would mention canned meat, ice cream, wheat flour, and instant mashed potatoes. We also supply lifting machines, animal feed and more.”  The Chinese side is building a national football stadium and an international class swimming pool in Belarus. In this regard, Aleksandr Chervyakov shared what Belarusian facilities will appear in China, “The establishment of a Belarusian cultural centre in Beijing is under consideration at the moment. We really hope to launch it. This will open up a new level of opportunities for us, enabling continuous work in China. A restaurant of Belarusian cuisine was opened in the Chinese capital last year. It is now possible to try Belarusian national dishes in Beijing.” In conclusion, the Ambassador of Belarus to China spoke about the expectations of the bilateral co-operation between the countries in 2024, "This year will be no less eventful than last year. We envisage holding a fairly large-scale economic forum in Minsk with the participation of China’s and Belarus’ regions." 

The pool of partners is getting wider 

The Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange (BUCE) has taken part in the China International Allfood Expo for the first time. This forum is one of China’s largest food-related fairs. This time, the expo was held in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province), bringing together over 1.5 thousand food manufacturers from all over the world. BUCE showcased its possibilities to increase exports of Belarusian agricultural products to the market of the People’s Republic of China, and to expand a pool of participants from
this country in exchange trading, reported the BUCE press service. 

“Within the framework of the event, the BUCE delegation held meetings with the management of more than 50 Chinese companies on the procurement of domestic meat and dairy products, sugar and rapeseed oil, as well as
on the supply of machinery and equipment for food industry to Belarus. As a result of negotiations, an agreement
was reached to accredit buyers of skimmed milk powder, whey powder and beef at BUCE. In addition, Chinese manufacturers of packaging lines, freezing chambers, pasteurizers and beverage filling systems showed interest in our exchange platform. Applications for the sale of this equipment are planned to be placed at the BUCE industrial and consumer goods (ICG) platform, where an electronic import substitution service has been operating specifically for enterprises in the real sector of the economy since 2022,” BUCE spokesman Roman Yaniv shared the details. 
Currently, 167 Chinese residents are accredited to BUCE. They have concluded exchange deals totalling $26.1 million since the beginning of the year. This is 3.5 times more than in the same period of 2023. Mainly woodworking products have been supplied to China via BUCE, while products made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals have been imported.

The project is gaining momentum

The Great Stone is developing by leaps and bounds — this was stated by Deputy Economy Minister Alesya Abramenko during a visit to the Industrial Park

Aleksandr Gorbash

“The total amount of taxes paid to the budget since the beginning of activities of the residents and the joint company has exceeded $120 million. This is three times more than the government’s infrastructure costs. Last year, the main indicators of the residents continued to grow. As compared to 2022, the production volume increased by 1.6 times, revenue — by 1.5 times, whereas the amount of taxes, fees and payments paid by the Great Stone residents rose
by 1.8 times. The exports of goods demonstrated slight growth, yet the tendency remains positive,” the Deputy Head of Economic Department pointed out. 
The Deputy Economy Minister also took part in the registration ceremony of the new Industrial Park resident — Gerkon Plant LLC. The company plans to implement a project for the production of automotive electrical and electronic systems. 
“These products will be in demand by the domestic flagships of the machine-building industry — MAZ, BELAZ, MTZ,” the Deputy Minister stressed. “We have high hopes for this project and believe in its success.”  

Based on materials of sb.by