MINSK – The Belarusian-Chinese multidisciplinary project Slavic Festival – Belarusian Town has officially launched in China, BelTA learned from the press service of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB). “Culture, education, and economy are the three pillars of the Slavic Festival – Belarusian Town project, which kicked off in the city of Nantong. The project is implemented with support from the FTUB, in collaboration with Belarus’ culture and education ministries, local municipal authorities, and Chinese business communities,” the FTUB explained. “Under the project, permanent marketplaces featuring handmade crafts by Belarusian artisans will be set up at specially created venues in the Chinese cities of Nantong and Nanjing. The event will also showcase Belarusian food and non-food products, including agricultural goods. To introduce visitors to Belarusian culture, national creative groups will perform on a daily basis.” In addition to the folk craft exhibitions, a Belarusian arts training base and a House of Craftsmen will be established through joint efforts by both sides. This strategic step will allow Chinese citizens to study painting, crafts, and music directly from tradition bearers, fostering genuine cultural cross-pollination. During the project launch, the FTUB noted that this initiative is more than just a showcase or a fair – it is another opportunity to strengthen long-term, trusting dialogue. Belarus’ national trade union centre supports and facilitates the project because the working person is the true hero of the Slavic Town. “When you taste our bread, breathe in the scent of linen fabric, or see the sparkle of crystal – know that behind each of these is not just technology, but human hands and soul,” the FTUB emphasised. “Belarusians have historically been a nation of hard workers.

 We have always invested in education, engineering, and the ability to work with quality. That intellectual and professional potential directly translates into the reliability and excellence of everything we produce. And the trade unions, as the primary defenders of working people, proudly present the fruits of our workers’ labor at this venue. The platform we are opening will allow us to showcase our workers’ achievements.”
Another component of this Belarusian-Chinese project is expanding cooperation in education. Nantong will host a Chinese-Belarusian preparatory class for applicants planning to enroll in Belarusian higher education institutions. Meanwhile, Belarus will establish a center to provide comprehensive support for Chinese students studying in the country, as well as advisory, informational, and other services for Belarusian schoolchildren and students interested in studying in China.