Business news

MOGILEV, 16 November (BelTA) - Mogilev Oblast of Belarus and the Chinese Province of Hunan are going to accelerate the development of mutual tourism. Such an agreement was during a meeting between Chairman of the Mogilev Oblast Council of Deputies Dmitry Kharitonchik and a delegation of the Standing Committee of the Hunan People's Congress led by vice chairman of the committee Deputy Yang Weigang on 26 November, BelTA has learned.

The parties believe there is a clear correlation between the development of tourism and the general state of the economy. This is the reason why this industry has been chosen as one of the strategic in mutual cooperation. “We need to create the conditions for free communication of our citizens, provide more opportunities to explore the traditions and culture of our peoples and regions, develop corresponding tourist infrastructure,” Dmitry Kharitonchik said.

In part of infrastructure investment projects the Chinese guests were invited to consider possibilities of building hotels, entertainment centers and restaurants in Mogilev Oblast. They could offer Chinese cuisine to Chinese tourists in the Belarusian region and thus help them feel more comfortable. According to the head of the economy committee at the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee Ruslan Strakhar, sites with finished engineering infrastructure have already been selected in Mogilev and nearby towns. “In general, for the development of investment cooperation, the region is ready to offer Chinese investors some 200 sites for projects in various industries. First and foremost, we would like Chinese businessmen to invest in the processing of local raw materials and food production with a view to exporting these products to China and other countries,” he noted.

Head of FEZ Mogilev Administration Andrei Yartsev suggested setting up an exhibition center of Hunan Province in the FEZ to promote Chinese culture, traditions and goods, and also its trade and economic representative office. “We think this will give a new impetus to our mutually beneficial relations and contribute to the friendship between our peoples,” he said.

Yang Weigang said that both regions have great potential for developing cooperation in all areas and that he supports the proposals of Mogilev Oblast to focus on the development of strategic areas such as economy, investment and tourism. “The main goal of our visit is to learn as much as possible about the economic potential and opportunities of the region and develop a plan of action to boost cooperation. For us it is also an opportunity to establish close contacts with Mogilev Oblast MPs for further communication, sharing of information and experience in local governance,” said Yang Weigang.

The Chinese guests got familiar with the economic potential and investment opportunities of FEZ Mogilev. They are also expected to visit Shklov District to hold talks with the local authorities and get familiar with social facilities.