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Chinese Zhengzhou becomes Mogilev’s twin town

MOGILEV, 13 June (BelTA) - Chinese Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, has become Mogilev’s 16th twin town. The agreement on the establishment of twin town relations has been signed by Mogilev Mayor Vladimir Tsumarev and Zhengzhou Vice Mayor Liu Dong, BelTA has learned.

“The agreement will contribute to fruitful economic, cultural and social cooperation. The potential of the two cities is huge, and we have a lot to offer to each other. For instance, we plan to present a number of investment projects to China. The projects pertain to infrastructure development in Mogilev, namely the construction of an aqua park, a football manege, and a hotel complex. First of all, however, we will focus them on the investment in our economy. Perhaps, they will be interested in the OAO Mogilevkhimvolokno upgrade project,” Vladimir Tsumarev noted.

According to the Mogilev Mayor, a start to the cooperation with Chinese counterparts was given by the agreement on the establishment of friendly relations between Mogilev Oblast and Henan Province signed in 2004. The protocol on cooperation between the Mogilev City Hall and the Zhengzhou People’s Government was concluded in 2007. Over the past five years the official delegation of Mogilev has made numerous visits to Zhengzhou for various international investment forums. However, the cities have become close to each other thanks to mutual relations in culture and education.

“In 2013 Mogilev’s trade with the People’s Republic of China totaled $48 million, which is 20.6% up from 2012. The oblast center posted a $47 million worth of deficit in trade with China. Today OAO Mogilevkhimvolokno is the main exporter of products to China,” Vladimir Tsumarev said.

Today Mogilev has 23 partner cities and 16 twin towns after the singing of the agreement with China. The oblast center keeps close twin town relations with Russia, Ukraine, France, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Germany, Lithuania and Poland.