Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 May (BelTA) – Belarus is interested in broader participation of Japanese companies in the upgrade of Belarusian healthcare facilities, Belarus’ Healthcare Minister Valery Malashko said as he met with representatives of the Japanese business community on the premises of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), BelTA learnt from the press service of the Healthcare Ministry.

Valery Malashko noted that Belarus is revamping its healthcare system. A special focus is placed on technological upgrade of healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical companies. Long-standing bilateral cooperation in radiation medicine, treatment of cancer and children’s diseases as well as successful participation of Belarus’ pharmaceutical team in the recently held international expo CPhI Japan 2018 in Tokyo create good preconditions to attract Japanese investments into Belarus’ healthcare system. The Belarusian minister underlined that the country would like to invite Japanese companies to take part in the upgrade of facilities that provide services to people with special needs, rehabilitation centers and pharmaceutical companies.

Japan can view Belarus as a window of opportunities in the Eurasian Economic Union, Valery Malashko said. The interest of investors from Asia Pacific and other regions in implementing projects in Belarus is on the rise. A case in point is the Great Stone project. The high-tech manufacturing and investment project “Japan-Belarus Industrial Zone in Mogilev Oblast” can also be of interest to the Japanese business community.

Valery Malashko noted that Belarus seeks to significantly increase the export of cheese, whey, meat and dairy products, confectionery, furniture and products from wood, leather and metallic structures, dishware from crystal and glass, clothing and footwear to Japan.

The minister thanked his Japanese colleagues for long-standing cooperation in the field of advanced professional training for doctors and the assistance provided to people affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

The first Belarusian-Japanese economic forum is taking place in Japan on 9-11 May. The forum was organized by the Healthcare Ministry, the Belarusian Embassy in Japan, the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee, the Belarusian National Agency of Investment and Privatization, with the support of the Japan External Trade Organization.