Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 9 November (BelTA) – Cooperation between Belarus and China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been developing at a rapid pace in the last few years. The statement was made by He Yiming, Head of the Commerce Department of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government, in his speech during the opening ceremony of the expo that opened in Minsk on 9 November to showcase original products from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, BelTA has learned.

The Chinese official noted: “On behalf of the people’s government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region I would like to welcome all the guests and friends, who are present during the opening ceremony. Many of them help advance trade and economic cooperation between China and Belarus. Belarus and China have maintained friendly ties since the moment they established diplomatic relations. These contacts are jointly advanced by China President Xi Jinping and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The visit of the Belarusian head of state to China in late September 2016 bolstered cooperation between our countries, expanded interaction in social and humanitarian affairs, and stepped up cooperation in the most important industrial sectors.”

The Head of the Commerce Department of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government drew attention to the strategic importance of creating the China-Belarus industrial park Great Stone. The park has already become an important platform for implementing the One Belt One Road concept.

The official also said that Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region occupies an important position in the geospace of the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative. The region represents a hub that connects several transit routes and acts as an important bridge between the West and the East. “Bearing these factors in mind, the Chinese government determined the role of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as a nucleus of the One Belt One Road project. Xinjiang is ready to use this chance, take opportunity of the favorable situation for growth and development in such segments as trade and logistics, culture, science and education, financial innovations and medical services,” stressed the official.

According to the source, the exhibition of XUAR products made by over 40 various Chinese companies in Minsk will contribute to further advancement of Belarusian-Chinese relations.