Business news

MINSK, 10 November (BelTA) – Belarusian Economy Minister Vladimir Zinovsky invited Latvian businesses to become residents of the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park Great Stone as he met with a Latvian delegation led by Economy Minister Arvils Aseradens on 10 November, BelTA has learned.

“Belarus is a good investment platform. We are building an industrial park in cooperation with China, and we invite all European companies, not only those of Belarus and China, to join the project. We would like to see Latvian companies in the park. Its residents are given good preferences,” Vladimir Zinovsky noted. He stressed that businesses can enjoy preferences not only in the industrial park Great Stone, but also in a number of free economic zones in Belarus.

Vladimir Zinovsky said that the trade between Belarus and Latvia has declined recently. However, the minister expressed confidence that the countries have not yet exhausted their potential and will manage to improve the situation. “We are ready for open and constructive work. Now it is important to catch up and switch to new forms of cooperation and projects with good economic returns,” the minister emphasized.

He noted that Belarus seeks to develop fruitful and effective relations with Latvia and to strengthen the mutually beneficial economic cooperation. In this context, Vladimir Zinovsky said with satisfaction that Belarus’ cargoes traditionally account for a considerable share of the total volume of Latvia’s rail transportation. Belarus’ and Latvia’s participation in the large-scale Chinese projects Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-century Maritime Silk Road will enhance the countries’ appeal and intensify their cooperation in logistics.

Arvils Aseradens said that the relations between Belarus and Latvia are fruitful. He said that Latvia is eager to develop close economic cooperation. “There is great potential with respect to the Belarusian economy. I think we can expect the mutual trade to double,” he noted.

Besides, the minister said that Latvia would like to cooperate with Belarus within China’s One Belt, One Road project.

Arvils Aseradens emphasized the importance of the Days of Latvia which are currently underway in Belarus. “It is very good that Belarusians will have a chance to learn about the life in their neighboring country,” Arvils Aseradens said.