OREANDA-NEWS. It is necessary to start implementing the projects in the cement industry with the Chinese CITIC Group as soon as possible, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with CITIC Group Chairman Kong Dan on October 14.

“The two countries have laid a good foundation for the bilateral cooperation. You are going to upgrade cement plants and launch new construction lines in Belarus. It is imperative to start the implementation of these projects as quickly as possible and settle all the issues concerning the quality of the equipment and our feedstock,” the Head of State said.

The President said that China is Belarus’ key trading partner. This year the bilateral trade is expected to exceed USD 1 billion. The Head of State said the mutual trade is not high enough yet and added that annual profits of CITIC Group alone total USD 5 billion.

Alexander Lukashenko confirmed Belarus’ interest in cooperation with the Chinese corporation in finance, engineering, town-planning, sports and tourism. “We have a lot of plans. It would be good if they translate into concrete agreements and projects in the course of your visit to Belarus,” he said.

The Belarusian leader reminded that the cooperation with CITIC Group was discussed on the eve of the Olympic Games in Beijing. “Then I addressed you with a request to help us in setting up a similar company in Belarus,” the President said and added that CITIC Group is one of the largest multifunctional companies that is of great interest for Belarus.

Chinese CITIC Group Chairman Kong Dan said that owing to the joint efforts the two sides have been making fast progress in the cement industry project, much faster than in any other projects. He added that the Chinese side is committed to its cooperation with Belarus.