The Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry and the Belt and Road Working Committee of the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises have signed a Memorandum of Intent to work together for the upcoming five years. This MoU focusses mainly on dairy-products (high-quality cheeses, butter, yogurts, whole milk), but also meat and fish products and lastly beetroot pulp. A novelty is that this agreement has been signed via a video-conference, which illustrates that COVID-19 disrupts the business as usual-activities in diplomatic circles [Belarus, China sign cooperation agreement in agriculture]. Perhaps this agreement will be a foundation for other countries to trade fresh-produces.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway illustrates how perilous the strategic alliance is, and how thin the thread is that BRI-countries need to walk on, in Central Asia. Apparently Russia is closely involved in the transportation of goods passing through Central Asia with China as end goal. However, China is attempting to extend its influence in that region through the BRI, which does not coincide with the regional Russian interest, although the aforementioned route might be more time-, and thus cost-effective. It is interesting to follow how this infrastructural development will be envisioned [China pushes on with Central Asia trade ambitions despite missing Kyrgyz rail link].
Ali Çikmazkara
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