(Yicai Global) Oct. 15 -- China Weichai Holding Group and state-owned Belarusian carmaker Minsk Automobile Plant, or MAZ, have put their new diesel engine factory into operation.

The plant, located at the Zhongbai Industrial Park near Minsk Airport, will produce 20,000 engines to sell primarily in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, Xinhua News Agency reported. It will span 34,000 square meters and make engines that meet the Euro 6 emissions standards.

Belarus and Weichai have worked together for two decades, the report cited Belarusian Prime Minister Siarhiej Rumas as saying at the factory's opening ceremony. Several cars made in the country already use engines, gearboxes and other components made by Shandong-based Weichai, he added, saying the latest agreement deepens their ties and sets a platform for further cooperation in gearbox and axle production.

The two firms set up the joint venture to build the factory in September 2017 with an investment of around USD50 million. Weichai subsidiary Weichai Power holds 70 percent and MAZ owns the remainder.

Editor: James Boynton