MINSK DISTRICT, 6 July (BelTA) - Chinese-Belarusian trade and economic cooperation has a great future, Minister Counselor of the PRC Embassy in the Republic of Belarus Luo Shixiong said during the opening ceremony of the national pavilion of Belarus on the Chinese platforms Jingdong and Douyin in the Industrial Park Great Stone on 6 July, BelTA has learned.
"China and Belarus are iron brothers. Both sides adhere to the spirit of mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, actively implement the agreements reached by the heads of the two states, and maintain a high level of Chinese-Belarusian relations," the Chinese diplomat said. “Bilateral business cooperation in various fields shows good dynamics. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belarus and the 10th anniversary of the China-Belarus Industrial Park, the gem of the Belt and Road Initiative. At this important moment, the official launch of the national pavilion of Belarus as an e-commerce platform supported by the Belarusian government is of great symbolic importance."
According to him, looking back at the history of bilateral cooperation, we can say that China and Belarus have achieved outstanding results in trade and economic cooperation. "Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago, the trade between our countries has increased significantly. Currently, China is the second largest trading partner of Belarus. In Q1 of this year, the bilateral trade yet again reached new heights exceeding $1 billion, an increase of 19.5% year-on-year, which was higher than the overall growth of China's foreign trade. In particular, China's imports from Belarus reached $450 million, an increase of 59.6%," Luo Shixiong said.
He noted that the China-Belarus Industrial Park, a landmark project of bilateral business cooperation, is dealing with the external risks and challenges and is demonstrating strong resilience and viability. In May of this year, the number of resident enterprises of Great Stone reached 90, and the estimated investments are approaching $1.25 billion.
"Looking to the future, we can say with confidence that the Chinese-Belarusian trade and economic cooperation has a great future. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed China's resolve to open up at a high standard and sincere desire to share its market opportunities, economic and trade achievements, and promote coordinated development. In the new modern situation, we are pleased to see that the Belarusian government and market participants pay more attention to harnessing the potential of the Chinese market, actively adapting to the new business model of the Chinese economy and continue to tap into innovative cooperation," he stressed.
In his opinion, the national pavilion of Belarus will not only serve as a new channel and a new structure to promote the export of Belarusian high-quality goods to China, but will also help share with Belarus huge market opportunities and dividends from the development of the PRC, and meet the demand of Chinese consumers for high-quality goods from around the world. It will also actively help the two countries to continue to improve institutional mechanisms for trade facilitation between China and Belarus.
"Since the launch of the national pavilion of Belarus, a large number of short videos has already been uploaded, and although the choice on the platform is not yet very rich, we can say that a good marketing and advertising effect has already been achieved. This pavilion builds a bridge between China and Belarus so that ordinary Chinese can taste Belarusian delicacies without leaving home. We have every reason to believe that the national pavilion will be appreciated and supported by the Chinese people who always have a warm regard of friendship towards Belarus," Luo Shixiong concluded.
A ceremony to open Belarus' national pavilion on the Chinese online platforms Jingdong and Douyin took place in the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone on 6 July. The launch actually marks the start of Belarusian e-commerce in the Chinese market. The operator of the national pavilion is the Industrial Park Development Company. In addition to the trading functionality, these platforms will also provide an opportunity for Chinese users to learn more about the sights, culture and traditions, natural wonders and history of Belarus. Plans are in place to upload thematic videos about the country for the Chinese audience.
