Meeting with the management of Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology Co Ltd
BEIJING, 2 September (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko held a series of meetings with representatives of China’s private sector on 2 September, BelTA has learned.
Matters of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation occupy a significant part of the head of state’s itinerary during Aleksandr Lukashenko’s current visit to China where a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ended the day before. Negotiations between the Belarusian leader and China President Xi Jinping took place in Tianjin earlier. Now the bilateral agenda at the top level continued as contacts with top executives of a number of China’s largest companies. Some of the meetings were confidential.
Promising projects were discussed, including in such fields as manufacturing sector, automobile and engine production, the development of greenhouse farming to grow vegetables and flowers.
What did the president talk about during confidential meetings?
No information is available about who specifically the president met with and what matters were discussed. But a number of statements by the head of state have been made public. One can surmise that the conversation touched upon cooperation in manufacturing sector, upon industrial cooperation, and in particular, the production of engines.
“First of all, I’d like to thank you for deciding to actively work in Belarus in this complicated period of time for us when Belarus is experiencing all kinds of pressure. We see it. We appreciate it a lot. This is why my key task during today’s meeting with you is to assure you that we will honor the commitments we have undertaken religiously. We need what you make very much. We know how to make engines. Your company is very advanced. It will be a good lineup for Belarus. Unfortunately, we don’t make these products but we are trying to. We will succeed faster with your assistance. All of it is topical and necessary for us today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The head of state also mentioned the possibility of cooperation to promote products onto markets of developing countries in Asia and Africa. The countries that have recently been freed from colonialism and dependence on other states would like to enjoy equal relations with our states. “We are ready to make products together with you and sell them on developing markets. As a practical person you understand that we can make everything. But it is a problem to sell it due to the tough competition. We are ready to be of use to you in this endeavor,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned automobile production during another meeting. “I know you show a certain interest in working in Belarus. We need your products. You know what we are capable of in automobile production. Meanwhile, we show strong interest in making the automotive products together with you that you will be able to sell on the markets that are closer to Belarus. We will facilitate it in every way,” the head of state said.
On developing greenhouse industry using Chinese technology
Two meetings with Chinese companies focused on developing greenhouse farming. China has offered to share its advanced technology for growing vegetables, berries, and flowers. These products are in demand both in Belarus and for export.
The Belarusian president, in particular, met with the management of Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, including Chairman of the Board Wang Shoubo. This company is not a newcomer to the Belarusian market, as it has a history of cooperation with Svetlogorsk Pulp and Cardboard Mill. Last year, the parties signed a contract for the construction of a 4th generation greenhouse for growing tomatoes.
“You are already deeply engaged with our regions and possess what I understand to be the latest technology for designing, building, and operating greenhouse complexes. This is precisely why we invite you to expand your operations in Belarus. We have ample suitable land and a workforce experienced in artificial irrigation and fertilization. Our professionals are prepared and capable of supporting these complexes,” the president said.
The head of state also highlighted the competitive advantages of Belarus in this area: competitive prices for natural gas and a surplus of electricity, availability of domestic fertilizers and qualified workforce. There is demand for these products on the nearby Russian market and in Europe. “By establishing and rapidly expanding operations in Belarus, you can cultivate all kinds of vegetables and sell them on these immense markets,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president also proposed supplying the produce grown in these greenhouses to China. “I understand that you are considering a partial investment in greenhouse construction. However, I am confident that within a year, you will want to build fully-owned facilities to serve these markets directly. In essence, you can rely on the full support of the Belarusian government for your closed-ground vegetable production. These vegetables can be supplied to the Chinese market. Moreover, you will be able to export to China as much as you will produce here.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also met with the management of Shandong Hualiang Greenhouse Engineering headed by Chen Hongliang. This company specializes in growing flowers, including orchids.
“You will probably be among the most welcome guests in Belarus. We currently import floral products from across the globe, including as far as Ecuador. Therefore, Mr. Chen, there are ample opportunities for you in Belarus. The floral markets in Belarus, Russia, and Europe are largely undeveloped, with virtually no competition. If you start selling your exquisite products, such as orchids, in our country, we will really appreciate it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The discussion focused on the potential construction of greenhouse complexes in Belarus for the cultivation of flowers, including roses, orchids, and chrysanthemums.
On benefits of Chinese technology for Belarus
According to First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Snopkov, the years 2026-2027 will be dedicated to technological and industrial cooperation between Belarus and China, building on the successful work already underway in this area. “In fact, this year we have already begun a cycle of investment projects (without waiting for 2026-2027) which, in my view, in two to four years at most, will completely transform the technological landscape of our country,” he said.
The meetings held by Aleksandr Lukashenko during his June visit to Beijing have already yielded tangible results: a series of specific investment projects totaling approximately $130 million have been signed, Nikolai Snopkov said.
According to him, this amount does not take into account the cost of the technologies that China transfers to Belarus, and the cost of their development is quite high. “For context, one of the companies that has signed an agreement with us today invests $2 billion annually in R&D. This scale of investment clearly indicates the significant value of the projects we have just finalized,” said the first deputy prime minister.
First of all, this pertains to technologies in mechanical engineering, automotive industry, and agricultural production.
According to Belarusian Industry Minister Andrei Kuznetsov, the use of Chinese technologies will make Belarusian industrial products more competitive.
“Our mechanical engineering complex can benefit greatly from [China’s] new technologies, as they will help increase the competitiveness of our products,” the minister said.
He described it as a win-win, with each nation drawing the necessary elements to power its dynamic development.
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