Meeting to discuss cooperation with China

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko helda meeting to discuss cooperation with Chinaon 27 January.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that the added value of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation is indisputable and evident to both sides. "Today, China is not merely our main partner. China is the main partner for all countries that have set development as their goal," the Belarusian leader said.

"Amid tectonic geopolitical shifts, Beijing is a crucial point of support for Minsk. And not only for Minsk. The special status of Belarusian-Chinese cooperation is recognized and taken into account by everyone, from the Russians and Americans to the countries of Africa," the head of state said.

"China is our most reliable ally on all issues," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Aleksandr Lukashenko further emphasized the distinctive nature of China's approach to building partnerships. "China does not rush. That is the way they are. We are used to it. Today, we are learning a great deal from the Chinese, they are an ancient civilization. Anyone unfamiliar with China should learn its history," he said.

"I'm confident we can achieve more. The keys to this are well known: our own distribution network with warehouses and logistics; direct deliveries, including to retail chains and end consumers through e-commerce; joint production both on their territory and ours, specifically for the Chinese market; and finally, cooperation with Chinese regions, which is frankly still lagging," the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that, on the one hand, China is currently Belarus' second-largest trading partner, and Belarusian exports to the Chinese market have surpassed the volume of supplies to the European Union. "And this trend is likely to continue in the long term," the head of state emphasized.

On the other hand, about $1.7 billion in 2025 and just over 4% of total exports is very little even by Belarusian standards, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

"In China's import statistics, our share is measured in hundredths of a percent. And where is the impact of our second directive [to develop relations with China]?" the President asked.

He stressed that the tasks in the new directive should be specified in terms of units and kilograms. However, this strategic document should also set overarching goals, such as increasing China's share in Belarus' total exports. "Ideally, [we would like to see] double-digit figures. That would be a qualitative change," the President noted. "And the specific figures broken down by organizations and goods are the responsibility of the government."

"The government is not ready today to present its vision of the directive for the next five-year period. Perhaps that is correct. Right now, it is necessary to determine the main parameters of the new document and to discuss those key projects that have recently been advanced by the government, including during highest-level visits in 2025," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President also urged everyone to work more actively in the Chinese market.