Opinions & Interviews

VITEBSK, 12 May (BelTA) – The Chinese President’s state visit to Belarus and the agreements signed during the visit will give a new impetus to the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, Vice Governor of Vitebsk Oblast Oleg Matskevich said in an interview with BelTA.

He stressed that literally everyone is interested in cooperation with China. "This is a great country which economy has been growing rapidly in all areas and sectors. The state visit of the Chinese President to Belarus and the agreements achieved in Minsk will give further impetus to the comprehensive partnership” the Vice Governor said.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements will be closely monitored by Belarus and China at the highest level.

Talking about the concrete cooperation prospects, Oleg Matskevich noted that, for example, the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, with which Vitebsk Oblast maintains partnership relations, once had a well-developed flax industry. "the industry is now in decline, but the leadership of the province intends to revive it and looks forward to working with us," said Oleg Matskevich.

He also stressed that the prospects for cooperation are good in the agricultural sector. "They have a program for the rehabilitation of their own industry which was set up in 1950-60s with the help of the Soviet Union. They want us to help with tools because they know that we have a well-developed machine tool and mechanical engineering industries,” he said. According to him, they might participate in the tender for construction of Highway M3 Minsk- Vitebsk. In addition, Chinese partners are ready to discuss deliveries to China of powdered milk, canned meat and cheeses from Orsha.

Today the official and business delegation of Heilongjiang Province is in Vitebsk on a visit. The guests got acquainted with the investment projects of the regional center and the Free Economic Zone Vitebsk. The Chinese guests will also go sightseeing around the city.