Business news

MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – Belarusian woodworking products have been showcased at the Timber Expo that is running on 10-12 October in Birmingham, the UK, BelTA learned from the website of the Bellesbumprom Concern.

The export potential of the Belarusian woodworking industry and trading operators was presented at the seminar for the business circles of the UK. Belarus’ Ambassador to the UK Sergei Aleinik stated as he opened the seminar that Belarus is always ready to cooperate and sees the mutually beneficial ties between the woodworking companies of the two countries as very promising. He stressed that the participation of Belarusian producers at the Timber Expo is a good opportunity to establish contacts and outline potential cooperation areas.

Deputy Chairman of the Bellesbumprom Concern Mikhail Kasko stressed in his speech that the woodworking sector of Belarus is competitive at any market today. The product of the modernized woodworking plants meets all the quality standards and has a diversified geographical base. The development of new markets remains among the priorities. The UK market is of special interest for Belarusian producers.

A number of presentations of Belarusian companies and exporters took place as part of the expo. OAO Ivatsevichidrev, the Belarusian Forestry Company, Bellesexport and other companies showcased their products. The capacity of the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange was displayed in the sales of timber products and that of the Development Bank of Belarus in financing export contracts. A business matchmaking session was also held as part of the Belarusian exposition.

Timber Expo is the UK’s largest timber show held as part of the country’s construction week that gathers about 650 exhibitors from different countries. The expo is visited by at least 30,000 people. The UK is an attractive and very promising market for Belarusian producers. In 2016, some $6.6 billion worth of timber goods were exported to the UK. The exports include timber products, fuelwood, plywood, furniture and other products.