Chinese companies are ready to participate in the investment project to create a Silicon Valley in Vitebsk
Chinese companies are ready to participate in an investment project to create a Silicon Valley in Vitebsk. This was announced today by the First Deputy Mayor of Harbin (PRC), Permanent Member of the Harbin City Committee of the Communist Party of China, Nie Yunling, at a meeting with the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Viktor Nikolaikin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. BELTA.
"We are expecting a business plan from you for the Silicon Valley creation project," said the head of the official Harbin delegation, emphasizing that they have decided on their part to undertake this project and are ready to cooperate with Belarusian companies on it.
Viktor Nikolaikin noted that a site of 6,000 sq.m. has been designated for the implementation of the Vitebsk Silicon Valley project – the Park of Information and Innovation Technologies. Preparatory work is underway on this site, and it is planned to be completed by 2014. He also highlighted other promising areas for cooperation, suggesting an ознакомление with investment projects for the construction of hotels and recreation areas.
The head of the Harbin delegation showed interest in these projects, particularly noting the mutual prospects in the field of veterinary drug production that could open up for Vitebsk and Harbin through establishing direct contacts between the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and the Harbin Veterinary Academy. "If we find suitable projects, the opening of joint ventures in your country is possible," added Nie Yunling.
During the meeting, the parties also identified specific individuals and departments that will be responsible for operational information exchange and deepening cooperation between Vitebsk and Harbin, and also exchanged invitations for creative delegations of partners to the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" International Arts Festival and the "Harbin Summer" Music Festival.
"Cooperation in all areas will contribute to strengthening the friendship between the peoples of China and Belarus, as well as creating a unique platform for the development of our cities," added the First Deputy Mayor of Harbin.
The foreign trade turnover of Vitebsk with the People's Republic of China for January-May 2013 amounted to $120.5 million, which is 3.2 times more than in the same period last year (January-May 2012 - $38.2 million). The volume of export supplies reached $0.2 million, or 59% of the level of January-May last year. The main exporter is SOOO "Marko". Import supplies amounted to $120.3 million. The city's enterprises import raw materials and components for their own production: monofilament, components for PVC windows, yarn, fabrics and accessories, leather, components for the footwear industry, medicines, household electrical appliances, equipment, tools, etc. The main importers are SOOO "Nordwood", IPChUP "VIK-animal health", OOO "Rubikon", SOOO "OknaInvest", ChLUP "Belvest Impex", OOO "Bell Bimbo plus", OOO "Leodji".
An agreement on cooperation between Vitebsk and Harbin was signed in April 2009, and in January 2012, an Agreement on establishing sister city relations was signed, which formed the basis for subsequent contacts and exchanges in various fields. At the same time, an Agreement on cooperation between the Harbin Development Zone and the Vitebsk City Executive Committee was signed to combine efforts in order to strengthen interaction in the field of economy and trade, and information exchange.