The Sino-Belarusian engine manufacturer MAZ-Weichai launched trial operation on Nov 18 in the China-Belarus Industrial Park in Minsk, capital city of Belarus. 

The commencement ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from China and Belarus, including Dmitry S Katerinich, minister of industry of Belarus and Cui Qiming, Chinese ambassador to Belarus. 

The joint venture established by the Belarusian automotive engineering company MAZ Group and Weichai Group, a heavy truck engine and component developer and manufacturer based in Weifang, Shandong province, is a flagship project in the China-Belarus Industrial Park. 

The MAZ-Weichai engine factory was formally settled in September 2017, with Weichai Group holding a 70 percent stake and MAZ Group holding a 30 percent stake. Construction of the plant started in April. 

The plant is expected to produce 20,000 diesel engines annually, which will be sold in Belarus and to nearby countries including Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The commencement ceremony of Sino-Belarusian engine manufacturer MAZ-Weichai is held on Nov 18 in the China-Belarus Industrial Park of Minsk, capital city of Belarus. [Photo/WeChat account: zbgyy0512] 

Participants visit the MAZ-Weichai engine plant after the commencement ceremony on Nov 18 in Minsk, capital city of Belarus. [Photo/WeChat account: zbgyy0512] 

Guests from China and Belarus visit the MAZ-Weichai engine plant after the commencement ceremony on Nov 18. [Photo/WeChat account: zbgyy0512]

Engines at the production line of the MAZ-Weichai joint venture. [Photo/WeChat account: zbgyy0512]