Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 4 October (BelTA) – Belarus intends to have a large-scale display of its products and services at the First China International Import Expo due in Shanghai on 5-10 November, Valery Sadokho, Director of the National Center for Marketing at the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference on 4 October, BelTA has learned.

The Chinese market entered a stage of steady increase in consumption. This trend fuels strong import growth. In the coming five years, China is expected to import products and services to the tune of over $10 trillion.

Belarusian pavilions will cover a total area of 778 square meters.

Valery Sadokho noted that Belarusian products and services will be displayed in the two parts of the expo: the Country Pavilion for Trade and Investment and the Enterprise and Business Fair. Visitors to the first part of the expo will be able to learn about Belarus’ capacities in trade, economy, investment, research and technology, history and culture.

The national exposition will include the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park Great Stone, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Industry Ministry, Belarusian Potash Company, National Agency of Investment and Privatization, State Science and Technology Committee, Education Ministry, as well as companies representing Minsk (MAZ, MTZ, Minskkhlebprom, Kommunarka, Minotel, Hotel Europe, Aqua Minsk, Belarusian Sputnik, and Minsk Tourist Information Center).

Over 80 Belarusian companies will showcase their goods and services in six business sectors during the Enterprise and Business Fair. Visitors to the Belarusian pavilion that will cover 642 square meters of exhibition space will be able to taste products made by Belgospishcheprom Concern, Brestmyasomolprom, Glubokoye Dairy Canning Factory, Vitebsk Poultry Factory, Minsk Dairy Factory No. 1, and Lida Dairy Canning Factory. On display will be products by Belarusian industry giants, like BelAZ, Minsk Tractor Works, Belshina, Gomselmash and Cooling Systems Plant.

The Enterprise and Business Fair will cover a number of business sectors, like Medical Equipment and Medical Care Products; High-End Intelligent Equipment; Apparel, Accessories and Consumer Goods. The Trade in Services sector will offer educational and tourist services, as well as services by Belarusian logistic and venture companies.

Belarusian companies will display their products and services under the Made in Belarus brand. Its logo design was inspired by Belarusian national motifs featuring a cornflower that symbolizes Belarus. The slogan of the national exposition concept was already approved - Belarus-China: Friendship, Cooperation, Prospects.

An electronic info kiosk was developed to provide instant information about Belarusian companies or products. Visitors will be able to access and save this information using their gadgets.

Participation in this expo is among priority issues on the agenda of the Belarusian government. Belarusian exporters are doing market research to find out what products and services will spark an interest on the part of Chinese consumers.

China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to take part in the opening of the expo.

The National Center for Marketing at Belarus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the organizer of the Belarusian national exposition and the Belarusian-Chinese business forum. The first China International Import Expo is arranged by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Shanghai Municipal People's Government. The expo will be supported by the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. It will be held in the National Exhibition and Convention Center, the world's largest single block building and exhibition complex. It will gather over 2,800 companies from 130 countries. The number of domestic and foreign wholesale buyers is projected to reach 150,000.