20 January 2025, 10:18

Ambassador reflects on prospects of China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone

Photo courtesy of the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone

MINSK, 20 January (BelTA) – Traditional Chinese medicine and innovative technologies are becoming increasingly popular among companies of the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Belarus Zhang Wenchuan told the STV TV channel, BelTA reports.

The Great Stone industrial park is developing steadily. At present, the number of resident companies is 142, and the agreed amount of investment is estimated at almost $1.5 billion.

“At first, a mechanical engineering cluster was created. Later new areas emerged, such as traditional Chinese medicine and innovative technologies. At present, China-funded resident companies are mainly engaged in technological research and development, mechanical engineering, logistics, and warehousing. These projects not only give a powerful impetus to trade and economic cooperation between China and Belarus, but also make a solid contribution to filling the gaps in the Belarusian industry and driving the Belarusian economy forward,” the ambassador said.

Zhang Wenchuan pointed to the growing demand for the Chinese language in Belarus. Chinese language courses are available in primary and middle school, at more than 10 universities. In addition, there are seven Confucius Institutes and another two Confucius classes in Belarus. According to the ambassador, this plays an important role in training highly qualified Chinese language instructors and bringing the peoples of the two countries closer. “In the future, the demand for skilled workers with a good command of Chinese and a good understanding of China will increase,” the diplomat believes.

The Chinese ambassador also shared his personal impressions of Belarus. “I hadn't been to Belarus for 20 years and when I came back, I saw a vibrant economy and high social standards that were achieved under the leadership of the president; people in Belarus are happier and more satisfied with their life; I see more pride in Belarus and patriotism among people. I also see that the friendship between China and Belarus is growing stronger. Here you can often meet people who greet each other in Chinese and even street performers who impromptu perform the Chinese national anthem,” the diplomat noted.