OREANDA-NEWS. March 31, 2010. China is a strategic partner for Belarus, said Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky as he met with Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

“Belarus is a reliable ally of China. China is a strategic partner for us,” said the Belarusian head of Government. He remarked that top officials of the two countries lead an active political dialogue. The two countries work hard to promote trade, economic, credit, investment, scientific and technical ties. At present projects in Belarus’ cement industry, production sector, mobile communications are being carried out in association with Chinese investors. In China a joint venture has been set up to manufacture Belarusian agricultural machines, the establishment of two new major enterprises meant to produce BelAZ rock hailers and tractors is about to complete.

Humanitarian cooperation is part of Belarusian-Chinese relations. Sergei Sidorsky thanked China for gratuitous aid to Belarus, including aid to rehabilitate the Chernobyl-affected territories.

The Belarusian Prime Minister said he was sure the Chinese visit will give a new boost to the development of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation.

The Chinese Government is ready to facilitate the implementation of joint projects with Belarus, Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping said.

“We are ready to do our best to speed up the launch of the projects that have a high degree of completion. We will provide any assistance to Chinese companies that take part in these projects,” Xi Jinping said.

The Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China expressed confidence that Belarus and China will greatly advance in the bilateral cooperation. China appreciates the importance Belarus attaches to the cooperation with this country. “We have become good friends and partners, our cooperation is underpinned by strong support of each other,” he said.

Analyzing the bilateral trade over the last years, Xi Jinping reminded of the framework cooperation agreement between the Government of Belarus and China Exim Bank which envisages opening a USD 5.7 billion credit line to finance investment projects in Belarus with the participation of Chinese companies. “We hope that the financial structures of our countries will succeed in the implementation of the joint projects and we suggest Belarus consider more sources of financing,” he said.

Belarus and China are successfully implementing a series of projects, including the reconstruction of the Minsk CHP plant, the creation of a mobile network, and implementation of projects related to the cement production. “During the visit we decided to grant Belarus a USD 1 billion loan to finance new projects. We hope that they will be successfully implemented,” the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China said.

Belarus and China have signed a package of 12 agreements on trade and economic cooperation following the talks between Prime Minister of Belarus Sergei Sidorsky and Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in Minsk on 25 March.

The documents include a memorandum of understanding between China Exim Bank, the ZTE corporation and the Business Network internet provider to set up a public security monitoring center, a protocol for approval of an agreement to set up this center between ZTE and Business Network, a protocol for approval of the agreement to construct a multipurpose complex in Minsk, a protocol for approval of an agreement to create an intelligent transportation security system featuring surveillance cameras in Minsk and on M-2 and M-9 highways.

Belarus and China signed a protocol for approval of a contract to upgrade the air-terminal complex at the National Airport Minsk and create a modern day international passenger terminal, install security equipment and construct the second artificial runway that can receive A-380 airplanes.

Belarusian Railways, United Electric Import and Export Corporation and CNR Datong Electric Locomotive Company have signed a contract to supply electric locomotives.

China Gezhouba Group Company Limited and Belenergo have formalized energy partnership. The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Belarus and the Beijing Construction Engineering Corporation have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to reconstruct and construct roads.

Besides, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the Minsk City Council and the Beijing Construction Engineering Corporation.

According to the agreement between the Beltelecom company and the China Development Bank, a USD 60 million loan will be granted to Belarus. A cooperation agreement was concluded between the Bellesbumprom concern and the Xuan Yuan company.