Business news

MINSK, 17 May (BelTA) – Belarus and China signed an agreement on the development of international cargo transportation and cooperation as part of the Silk Road Economic Belt project, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Transport and Communications Ministry.

The agreement between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the development of international cargo transportation and cooperation as part of the Silk Road Economic Belt project was signed during the Belt and Road forum in Beijing on 16 May 2017. The document was signed by Belarus’ Transport and Communications Minister Anatoly Sivak and Chinese Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng.

The document envisages strengthening of cooperation in the rail, automobile, air and other infrastructure, harmonization of norms and technological standards in the logistics sector and the creation of favorable conditions for international cargo transportation between Europe and Asia. It is assumed that the two states shall assist companies with access to the international market of rail and road transport services, and with the development of warehouse logistics. The efforts of the countries will be also aimed at developing cost-effective, safe and effective international cargo transportation.

The agreement also provides for the assistance of Belarus and China in the organization of international multimodal transportation in the direction of the two states, and from them to third countries. The document will contribute to the creation of favorable conditions for organization of cargo transportation and logistics centers in Belarus and China.

The press service added that the document aims at implementing the concept of long-term development of trust-based comprehensive strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Republic of Belarus and the People's Republic of China. This agreement shall be open to any state participating in the Silk Road Economic Belt project.