GOMEL, 6 September (BelTA) – Belarus' Gomel and China's Chengdu (Sichuan Province) look to develop cooperation in various areas, and in particular in the economic sector, healthcare and education. The matter was discussed at a meeting between the Gomel authorities and a delegation from Chengdu on 6 September, BelTA has learned.
According to Gomel Vice Mayor Sergei Andreyev, the regional center has well-established contacts with Chinese partners. The city on the Sozh River has three twin-cities from China. These are Huai'an, Harbin and Chengdu. Since the beginning of the year the trade between Gomel and China has amounted to $25 million. Although the growth made up 20% in comparison with last year's level, there are still enough reserves to step up cooperation, Sergei Andreyev said. In his words, Gomel and Chengdu have established contacts in culture and education, and this cooperation, as well as interaction in the economic sector, healthcare and other sectors should be expanded.
Chairwoman of the Jinniu District Standing Committee of Chengdu Bai Tao said that a shopping center with a total area of more than 5 million square meters had been set up in the district to offer tax concessions to both importers and exporters. Representatives of several countries have already expressed their intention to display their products there. Belarusian producers have also been invited to use this opportunity.
The chairwoman of the Standing Committee added that the Chinese consumer is interested in Belarusian natural goods, such as flax, as well as food products: dairy products, meat, and, in particular beef. During the visit the representatives of the delegation are expected to study various goods of Gomel producers for their possible supplies to China.
Wu Xiaoxing, Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade Department, Trade Bureau of Jinniu District, said that Chengdu has been actively developing its pharmaceutical industry, implementing various technologies and conducting research in the field. There are about 30 parks in the pharmaceutical sector. According to her, such parks provide good opportunities for Belarusian-Chinese cooperation, including research, production and sale of medications.
It was noted that healthcare specialists of the two cities could have on-the-job training in Chengdu and Gomel. Gomel specialists are ready to share their experience with their colleagues in such areas as organ and tissue transplantation, oncology, cardiac surgery.
The parties also voiced proposals to organize an exchange of students and schoolchildren from Gomel and Chengdu, discussed prospects of cooperation in culture, sports and other sectors.
