BREST, 25 June (BelTA) – Baranovichi and China's Shiyan City of Hubei Province signed a protocol of intent to establish twin-town relations, BelTA learned from Baranovichi First Deputy Mayor Natalia Fyodorova.
The document was signed by Baranovichi Mayor Yuri Gromakovsky and Deputy Mayor of the Shiyan Municipal Government Wu Ye. The parties are set to promote friendly contacts and expand cooperation in trade, economy, education, culture, sport and other areas.
“The partners are interested in promoting cooperation in various fields. Today we have discussed possible areas of common interest. Shiyan is an automotive industry hub. Therefore, the automotive industry is the most promising area of cooperation. There are good prospects in tourism: Chinese people are amazed by our beautiful nature and clean air. Educational partnerships and cooperation in healthcare were also on the agenda,” Natalia Fyodorova said. Baranovichi is intensifying overall contacts with China; the export to this country increases by about 20% annually.
Located in the west of Hubei Province, Shiyan is one of China's most important centers of automotive industry, trade and culture. The city is home to more than 3 million people.
Baranovichi has twin-town relations with 24 cities, including China's Chibi. Apart from that, Baranovichi signed a letter of intent to establish partner relations with Yichang. Both cities are located in Hubei Province.
