Vitebsk enterprises will begin supplying dry milk and flax fiber to the Chinese province of Heilongjiang

July 23, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Enterprises of China's Heilongjiang province are interested in supplying dairy products and flax fiber from the Vitebsk region. Agreements on the first supplies of Belarusian products were reached in Vitebsk during a working trip of businessmen from the province to the region, Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Oleg Matskevich told a BELTA correspondent. Polotsk Dairy Plant will start supplying the first batches of dry milk, 100 tons per month. From next year, it is planned to triple the supply volumes. Orsha Flax Mill has begun negotiations with Chinese manufacturers on the supply of flax fiber. In addition, a batch of condensed milk has been sent to China for certification. One of the large Chinese retail chains is interested in supplying condensed milk. As Oleg Matskevich noted, trade contacts will be the first step towards creating joint ventures. The prospect of such cooperation was determined by the Chinese businessmen themselves. Foreign trade turnover of the Vitebsk region with the People's Republic of China for five months of the current year increased by 39% compared to the same period last year and amounted to $47.3 million, including exports - $14.7 million, or 212% compared to the same period in 2009. The basis of exports is petrochemical products. The Vitebsk region supplies optical instruments, flax fiber, casein, and alcoholic beverages to China. According to the results of five months of the current year, exports from the Vitebsk region increased by 32.9% compared to the same period last year and reached $194.3 million. The region trades with 83 countries.