MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) - The majority of experts associate the development of the global economy with the African continent, and Belarus should take every opportunity to cooperate with the region, Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Ulakhovich told the media on the sidelines of the second Belarusian-African Economic Forum on 31 May, BelTA has learned.
“The absolute majority of experts associate the development of the world economy with the African continent. First of all, because Africa is a storehouse of natural resources: manganese, vanadium, uranium, gas, oil, gold and diamonds. In addition, we must take into account that Africa is a very young population,” said Vladimir Ulakhovich.
Belarus exports its products to many African countries. According to the BelCCI chairman, almost half of the countries of the southern continent know Belarusian products: from food to mechanical engineering goods. “We can offer services and products in three areas: the first is, of course, the development of industry in African countries. The state always relies on the development of the industrial sector, infrastructure. In this regard it is our all machinery, construction technologies, including mining,” he said.
The second promising area for cooperation is the agricultural sector. More than 70% of African countries are actively engaged in agriculture. “We can supply agricultural technologies, farm machines and food. This can also be long-term promising area of cooperation,” Vladimir Ulakhovich is convinced. For example, Belarus increased supplies of agricultural and food products to Africa by 78% in the first quarter.
African countries are mainly young countries and are focused on social development, including education, healthcare and information technology. "We can offer this today, starting from training of African students in our country and finishing with pharmaceuticals and healthcare," he added.
Minsk is hosting the second Belarusian-African Economic Forum on 31 May-1 June. On behalf of Belarus the forum is attended by representatives of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries, the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, and the country's export-oriented enterprises from the heavy, light, and food industries, agriculture, mining, and other sectors. All in all, 170 companies have sent their representatives for the forum.
On behalf of African countries the forum is attended by the deputy foreign minister of Mozambique, heads and representatives of embassies of African countries in Belarus, honorary consuls of African countries in Minsk, and the heads of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Professions. All in all, the forum has drawn representatives of 14 African states.
