Lukashenko invites China to build greenhouse complexes in Belarus

The Belarusian president, in particular, met with the management of Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, including Chairman of the Board Wang Shoubo.

“This was a very pleasant meeting for me, not only due to my personal connection to agriculture, but also because your capabilities are impressive, although our own agricultural sector is highly developed and is a major supplier of food products to China,” the president said.  

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that this company is no longer a newcomer to the Belarusian market, as it has a history of cooperation with Svetlogorsk Pulp and Cardboard Mill. Last year, the parties signed a contract for the construction of a 4th generation greenhouse for growing tomatoes.

“You are already deeply engaged with our regions and possess what I understand to be the latest technology for designing, building, and operating greenhouse complexes. This is precisely why we invite you to expand your operations in Belarus. We have ample suitable land and a workforce experienced in artificial irrigation and fertilization. Our professionals are prepared and capable of supporting these complexes,” the president said.

The head of state also highlighted the competitive advantages of Belarus in this area: “Belarus offers competitive prices for natural gas and a surplus of electricity – a capacity that will be further expanded with the construction of a second nuclear power plant, which is already in our plans. This allows you to scale your operations substantially within our market. Critically, we sell a lot of such products in the vast Russian market. There is also significant demand for these goods in Europe. By establishing and rapidly expanding operations in Belarus, we can cultivate all kinds of vegetables and sell them on these immense markets.”

The president also proposed supplying the produce grown in these greenhouses to China. “I understand that you are considering a partial investment in greenhouse construction. However, I am confident that within a year, you will want to build fully-owned facilities to serve these markets directly. In essence, you can rely on the full support of the Belarusian government for your closed-ground vegetable production. These vegetables can be supplied to the Chinese market. Moreover, you will be able to export to China as much as you will produce here.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko also met with the management of Shandong Hualiang Greenhouse Engineering headed by Chen Hongliang. This company specializes in growing flowers, including orchids.

“You will probably be among the most welcome guests in Belarus. We currently import floral products from across the globe, including as far as Ecuador.  Therefore, Mr. Chen, there are ample opportunities for you in Belarus. The floral markets in Belarus, Russia, and Europe are largely undeveloped, with virtually no competition. If you start selling your exquisite products, such as orchids, in our country, we will really appreciate it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The discussion focused on the potential construction of greenhouse complexes in Belarus for the cultivation of flowers, including roses, orchids, and chrysanthemums.