The prospects for developing cooperation between the Gomel region and partners from China were discussed at a business forum in the city of Changchun, in China’s Jilin province, BELTA reported to the Gomel Oblast Council.

The business forum brought together representatives of companies from the PRC that are interested in cooperating with enterprises in the southeastern region of Belarus.

Chairman of the Oblast Council Ivan Krupko presented the trade, economic, investment, and tourism potential of the Belarusian region. He emphasized that the Gomel region is open to dialogue and ready to offer Chinese consumers high‑quality food products, wood‑processing products, agricultural machinery, and fertilizers. “Currently, 20 food‑industry enterprises in our region are accredited to supply products to the PRC,” the chairman stressed.

The regional leader also underscored that the southeastern region of Belarus is interested in establishing business contacts for joint projects in industry and agriculture, purchasing high‑technology equipment, machinery, spare parts, and equipping enterprises with robotics.

They also discussed tourism cooperation at the business forum. Leaders of Gomel region enterprises presented their capabilities to potential business partners. B2B negotiations and a ceremony for signing bilateral documents also took place.

“Today, successful business development is based on the exchange of experience, knowledge, and technology, which enables innovative solutions and enhances competitiveness. Regular personal contacts between representatives of the two regions contribute to this. I am confident that the forum will be an important step toward strengthening our economic ties, will bring tangible results for all participants, and will lay the groundwork for new mutually beneficial projects,” Ivan Krupko said.

Today, the region’s delegation, which is visiting China these days, met in Changchun with the leadership of FAW, a company specializing in the production of commercial vehicles. The plant is located within the Changchun Economic and Technological Development Zone for the automotive industry. The enterprise produces seven main car models, including electric ones, as well as their components.

The parties discussed the prospects for cooperation between enterprises in the Gomel region and the Chinese automotive corporation. It was emphasized that enterprises in the southeastern part of Belarus are interested in cooperating with FAW. In particular, Gomselmash proposes creating joint development projects and design bureaus with the Chinese company.

"We see growth points and prospects for cooperation with the FAW corporation. For the interaction to be effective and productive, it is necessary to develop a phased algorithm, including cooperation with individual enterprises," emphasized Ivan Krupko.

Photo of the Gomel Oblast executive committee.