Anatoly D. Kharlap, the new ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to China, said Friday that the economies of the two countries are complementary and there is great potential for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The ambassador pledged to push ahead trade and investment cooperation between the two countries during his term.

He made the remarks at a forum on trade and investment between China and Belarus, which was sponsored by the Belarussian embassy.

The ambassador noted that the good political relationship between the two nations has laid a solid foundation for the bilateral trade and economic ties.

According to figures provided by the embassy, during 1995-2002,trade between China and Belarus went up sevenfold as Belarus increased its exports to China by 13 times and doubled its imports from China. In 2003, the two-way trade reached US$234 million.

China has become a major trade partner of Belarus, he said.

Currently, dozens of Chinese companies have invested in Belarusand some factories from the automotive industry in Minsk, capital of Belarus, are setting up joint ventures in China.

The ambassador said his country is improving the investment environment by readjusting investment and taxation policies, simplifying customs procedures, and protecting the rights and interests of investors.

Last year, the GDP of Belarus grew by 6.8 percent and it is expected to top 9-10 percent this year, according to the ambassador.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2004)