Promotion of Belarus-China exchange trade in timber and agricultural sectors as well as collaboration in import substitution have been identified as priority areas for cooperation between BUCE and  Economic and Commercial Counselors Alliance of China (ECCAC). The sides discussed the prospects of working together in a bid to bolster the trade and economic relations between the two countries during the visit of ECCAC delegation to BUCE head office.

ECCAC representatives were particularly interested in the possibility to participate in exchange trades for sawn timber, rapeseed oil, and wet-blue leather on BUCE. According to Yali Feng, Deputy General Manager of ECCAC Overseas Department, all these goods are highly sought after in China, which mainly imports them from other countries. Therefore, the products made in Belarus will be undoubtedly in demand.

“We are primarily interested in such highly liquid commodities as timber, rapeseed oil, and wet-blue leather. Despite a significant drop in imports of these products this year due to the slowdown of the Chinese economy exacerbated by the disruption of global supply chains, the consumption volumes are gradually recovering. It means that in the near future the level of demand will be on the rise, which includes Belarus-made goods that Chinese consumers have already taken a liking to,” Yali Feng believes.

ECCAC representative also acknowledged a massive potential of BUCE’s import substitution platform, which, given its functionality and the constantly expanding user base, may become one of the main sales channels for Chinese goods in the Belarusian market.

“It makes sense to start with industrial equipment, spare parts, electrical appliances and workwear, that is, goods that account for a significant share in the structure of transactions and will be definitely in demand. In the future, depending on the needs of the Belarusian buyers, it will be possible to introduce new commodity items, more so that a wide network of business contacts allows us to find manufacturers of almost any product that Belarus needs,” ECCAC representative assured.