Vitebsk region is interested in direct Chinese investments in energy, logistics, and construction
The Vitebsk region is interested in attracting direct Chinese investment in energy, logistics, construction, pharmaceuticals, and the IT sector, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by Alexander Tikhonov, Deputy Head of the Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Economy Committee.
Currently, no projects involving direct Chinese investment are being implemented in the region. However, there is a whole package of cooperation proposals. A large-scale project to create an industrial and logistics park in the Orsha district on the territory of the FEZ "Vitebsk" is being initiated by the company "IPL Complex". RUP "Vitebskenergo" has developed a business plan for the construction of the Beshenkovichi HPP. OJSC "BelVitunipharm" is ready to discuss proposals in the field of pharmaceutical production. The Housing and Communal Services Department of the Regional Executive Committee and the administration of the free economic zone are interested in implementing a modern high-tech waste processing project on the territory of the FEZ. RUP "Vitebskavtodor" is ready for cooperation in the field of road construction. Currently, negotiations have begun with a large Chinese company on the creation of a wind farm (an alternative energy source) in the region. Investment proposals, presentations, and business plans have been developed for most of the indicated projects.
Meanwhile, the region has experience cooperating with the PRC through attracting credit resources from this country. Currently, RUP "Vitebskenergo" is implementing the investment project "Construction of the Vitebsk HPP on the Western Dvina River". The general contractor for the construction of the facility is the Chinese company CNEEC. An investment project has been implemented at the Lukomlskaya GRES (general contractor for construction is the Chinese corporation SMEC).
The trade turnover of the Vitebsk region with the provinces of the PRC for the results of 2014 amounted to $150 million. At the same time, exports were $10.6 million, mainly consisting of chemical industry products from OJSC "Naftan", OJSC "Polotsk-Steklovolokno", as well as the Orsha Linen Mill. Commercial enterprises exported pile fabrics, optical instruments, and liquid crystal devices.
The specified commodity items are exported annually. At the same time, the export of products from the Orsha Linen Mill in 2014 increased 4 times compared to 2013, and from NPF "Dipol" - 2.6 times. The volumes of supplies change depending on price conditions. For the results of January-February 2015, the trade turnover with the PRC amounted to $25.6 million, with products worth $2.75 million exported. "The export structure has not significantly changed in recent years, however, we are focused on working with enterprises on diversifying the product range and more active work to enter the Chinese market by enterprises of the region," added Alexander Tikhonov.
Ekaterina Knyazeva