BREST, 20 June (BelTA) – A twinning agreement has been signed between Baranovichi and China’s Yichang, BelTA learned from Baranovichi First Vice Mayor Natalia Fedorova.
The agreement envisages the development of mutually beneficial relations in trade, IT, medicine, science and education, tourism and other areas. The document was signed by Baranovichi Mayor Yuri Gromakovsky and Yichang Vice Mayor Zhou Zhening.
“China is most interested in tourism. Chinese representatives have taken note of our environment, beautiful nature, favorable climate, and health resort services. We are, first of all, interested in the construction of a logistics center in Baranovichi and a platform in Yichang to sell the products of Brest Oblast. According to the partners, China may be interested in Belarusian cosmetics and children’s textile,” Natalia Fedorova said.
Two delegations from Yichang are expected to pay a visit on 29-31 July. The twin cities will study each other's proposals and discuss concrete cooperation projects. Representatives of the Department of Social Protection are expected to pay a visit as well. They will come to establish contacts with Baranovichi State University, where students from China can receive a major in engineering technology, service works and visual arts. The talks will also be held on a return visit to China.
Yichang is located in the south-western province of Hubei. The population exceeds 4 million people. The city has been rapidly developing. It is known for its numerous hydroelectric power stations. Thanks to its favorable geographical location, the city is an important transport hub in the region.
Baranovichi has so far established twinning relations with 23 cities from 14 countries. Among them is also another Chinese city – Chibi.