Lukashenko invites China's CITIC to build mine in Belarus

MINSK. March 2 (Interfax) - Belarus has fulfilled the conditions of China's CITIC Group and is inviting it to start building a mine and processing plant in the country, President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with company chairman Zhu Hexin in Beijing.

Lukashenko proposed that CITIC primarily focus on several areas of operation in Belarus, foremost the construction of a mine and processing plant, the Belarusian president's press service reported.

"Everything that we talked about, what you asked and demanded, the Belarusian side has implemented," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by his press service.

"We really hope that after this visit and negotiations with the top leaders of the country, including with my good friend [Chinese President] Xi Jinping, our cooperation will only expand and we will not have any problems in future with the development of new projects, particularly as regards the creation and construction of your companies' facilities, Belarusian facilities in Belarus," Lukashenko said.

He said overall investment in construction involving CITIC Group in Belarus already totals $1.5 billion.

Lukashenko also proposed that the Chinese company expand construction under a joint project to produce premixes and feed additives - the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation (BNBC).

"The first phases, BNBC-1 and BNBC-2, have been successfully carried out with the participation of Chinese partners. We would like the corporation to continue the construction of the biotechnology cluster in Belarus, its third phase for deep processing of corn and production of vitamins and other products," Lukashenko said.

Zhu Hexin, in turn, noted the successful implementation of projects in Belarus, and thanked Lukashenko for his support and attention. He assured Lukashenko that the corporation will properly carry out agreements reached at the highest level, the press service said.