A delegation from Gomel Oblast, led by Governor Ivan Krupko, held talks with Chinese partners in the PRC to discuss potential supplies of cellulose and wood chips from Gomel Oblast to China, BelTA learned from the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee.
According to the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee, Chinese companies are interested in purchasing these raw materials. The Gomel Oblast delegation invited their Chinese counterparts to take part in the Gomel Economic Forum due in September to discuss this matter in greater detail and visit manufacturing enterprises.
The delegation of Gomel Oblast took part in the China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun City, Jilin Province. “The Belarusian side views it as an opportunity to showcase the potential of the southeastern region and to hold negotiations with leading Chinese companies,” the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee emphasized.
The dialogue with Chinese partners continued at the Gomel Oblast-Changchun business forum. Leading Gomel enterprises showcased their capabilities, including the free economic zone Gomel-Raton, Gomselmash, the Radamir plant, Spartak, and companies from Gomel Meat and Dairy Company.
In his opening address, Governor Ivan Krupko highlighted Gomel Oblast’s significant potential and affirmed the region’s commitment to increasing exports to the Chinese market.
“Since 2020, China has been the second biggest trading partner of Belarus after the Russian Federation, and Belarus is among the ten largest suppliers of high-quality products to China. Establishing direct business ties between the regions is the basis for trade and economic cooperation,” the governor emphasized.
B2B negotiations between business leaders from Gomel Oblast and their Chinese counterparts continued on the sidelines of the forum. The meetings yielded new agreements and letters of intent for supplying products from Gomel enterprises to the Chinese market. Governor Ivan Krupko noted that the foundation of successful business development lies in the exchange of experience, knowledge, and technology – a practice that drives innovation and enhances competitiveness.
The day before, the Gomel Oblast governor met with Jilin Province Governor Hu Yuting. One of the main topics of the talks was inter-regional cooperation.
Ivan Krupko noted that Gomel Oblast highly values partnership and friendship with China, and pays special attention to interaction with Chinese provinces.
“Our economic and humanitarian ties are flourishing, guided by the all-weather, comprehensive strategic partnership and the spirit of iron brotherhood championed by our nations’ leaders. The growth of inter-regional connections forms the bedrock of our mutually beneficial cooperation. We are eager to deepen this collaboration and are particularly interested in establishing a sister-city relationship with Jilin Province,” the governor emphasized.
Ivan Krupko drew attention to the fact that over the past five years, the trade between Gomel Oblast and China has more than doubled. Currently, 20 enterprises of the region are accredited to supply food products to China.
The region’s main exports to China are cellulose, meat, dairy, confectionery and alcoholic products, while the main imports from China are industrial goods: parts for internal combustion engines, metalworking machines, mechanical devices for spraying or atomizing, and others.
According to Ivan Krupko, the most promising areas of cooperation are the supply of high-quality food products from Gomel producers, wood processing products and mineral fertilizers, the implementation of joint projects, including in the agricultural sector.
Chinese officials also proposed formalizing a sister-city agreement with a city in Gomel Oblast. Governor Krupko affirmed his full support for the initiative and pledged to facilitate all aspects of the cooperation.
The Gomel Oblast delegation comprised top managers of major industrial and processing enterprises. Their agenda is focused on business meetings, negotiations, and bilateral sessions.
