MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – Shandong Province, China is interested in cooperation with Minsk Oblast in education and production sector. The information was released by Wang Xinlu, Deputy Chairman of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the People’s Political Consultative Conference of the People’s Republic of China, at the meeting with Svetlana Gerasimovich, Chairwoman of the Minsk Oblast Council of Deputies, in Minsk City Hall on 26 July. Wang Xinlu remarked it was the first time the delegation had visited Minsk Oblast and the delegation was intent on discussing all possible aspects of cooperation. Initially cooperation in education is possible, exchange programs for students and professors, education programs. Besides, Shandong Province is interested in implementing joint production sector projects. Shandong Province is one of the most technologically advanced provinces of China. “We are also interested in Minsk Oblast’s experience of territory development,” said Wang Xinlu. He added the delegation includes representatives of the deputy corps. In turn, Svetlana Gerasimovich thanked the Chinese guests for coming to Belarus. She underlined Minsk Oblast treasures the relations established between the two countries. China has traditionally been a top ten trade partner of the oblast. In 2011 China accounted for 6% of Minsk Oblast’s total trade. Last year the foreign trade surplus amounted to $52.8 billion. A lot of attention is paid to promoting cultural and educational ties with China. Chinese language is studied in a Dzerzhinsk town gymnasium and the Minsk Oblast State Lyceum. Over 40 students did it as an extracurricular activity in the academic year 2011-2012. “We hope your visit will contribute to invigorating cooperation at the regional level,” remarked Svetlana Gerasimovich. In January-May 2012 Minsk Oblast-China trade went up 18.9% to $214 million. Export soared 60.3% to $116.2 million. The bulk of exports are mineral and potash fertilizers (ZAO Belarusian Potash Company), trucks, spare parts and equipment for automobiles and tractors (OAO Belarusian Autoworks). The main imports are aluminum slabs, sheets, bands, machines for automatic information processing. In January-May 2012 the trade in services between Minsk Oblast and China amounted to $16.1 million. At present there are nine enterprises with Chinese investments in Minsk Oblast, including three joint ventures and six foreign-owned ones. China CAMC Engineering Company contributes to the creation of a Chinese-Belarusian industrial park in Smolevichi District, Minsk Oblast. The construction of a Minsk Oblast industrial park in Smolevichi District is a major innovation project. The park specializes in mechanical engineering, metal working and electric engineering. Interregional cooperation treaties and twinned city relations play a special role in promoting the mutually beneficial partnership. An agreement between the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee and the People’s Government of the city of Chongqing on cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural areas has been in effect since 2002. БЕЛТА
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