Harrods, the worldwide known department store, may sell Belarusian goods in the future, said Alexander Mikhnevich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the National Airport Minsk on 12 July. 

The diplomat came from London along with a Harrods delegation including Mark Collins, managing director of Harrods Estates, Raj Assanand, international director of Harrods Limited, and Raine Spencer, stepmother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. 

According to Alexander Mikhnevich the visit became possible after Belarus’ investment forum in London in November 2008. “There we met with Mohamed Al-Fayed, the owner of Harrods, and his team that came to Minsk ,” said the Belarusian Ambassador. “Belarus  produces interesting fabrics, furniture, table and bed-linen, widely known hard liquors. So we came up with idea of delivering trial consignment to Harrods. We shall think about the perspectives of this business in future,” the Ambassador said. 

“If Belarusian goods appear on sale in Harrods, it will be a significant event, because Harrods is one of the largest and prestigious department stores in the world. It would be a very good advertising of Belarusian goods,” said the diplomat. 

Alexander Mikhnevich cited an example that opening Harrods every morning costs about $1million. “I would like it to be a serious investment in those industry branches that I have mentioned,” said the diplomat speaking about possible Harrods’ purchase of Belarusian goods. 

“We have come to an agreement that in case Belarusian goods come short of Harrods’ standards, which are very high, Harrods can invest in our facilities to adjust our quality to its standards. This must be a very interesting project,” said Alexander Mikhnevich. 

The visit of Harrods’ representatives was reported to have a double goal. On the one hand, it is the study of business potential in : the guests will attend the presentation of products of the Belarusian companies such as Bellesbumprom (furniture manufacturer), Belgospischeprom (liquors), Bellegprom (clothes), Belkhudozhpromysly. On the other hand, the delegation is scheduled to visit the National Children’s Oncology and Hematology Research Centre on 15 July, and Countess Spencer will pay a visit to the republican children’s hospice in Borovlyany on 15 July.

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