MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – We believe that it is important not only to increase the volume of mutual trade, but also to diversity it and use new instruments in our work, Belarus Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said as he met with ambassadors of African countries on the sidelines of the second Belarusian-African Economic Forum, BelTA has learned.
“We are keen to adopt the project-based approach and increase supplies of Belarusian machinery, equipment, and components to Africa within the framework of various forms of industrial cooperation, to set up joint enterprises using Belarusian technologies, and to construct industrial and agricultural facilities on a turnkey basis. We also view technology transfer and provision of engineering services as promising cooperation areas,” Vladimir Makei said. “Belarusian companies can offer African partners their R&D and industrial solutions and share their best practices in upgrading the energy sector, transport, and communications. Our African partners might also take interest in Belarusian experience in ensuring food security. Belarus offers a comprehensive approach in this field: from assessing local farming conditions to supplying the entire range of machinery and equipment, fertilizers and technologies. The planned visit of representatives of African countries to the Belagro expo will help them get familiar with Belarus' potential and ways to tap into it,” he added.
Education is also a promising area of cooperation. "Africa is a very young continent, 60% of the population is young. Today higher education for young people is more important than ever for Africa and will contribute to efforts to shape and strengthen the competitiveness of African countries globally. We are ready to offer your governments services in this area. Belarusian universities are ready to enroll applicants in various popular majors, including manufacturing, agricultural and healthcare training programs,” the minister said.
He also stressed the importance of expanding the legal framework for cooperation. The conclusion of intergovernmental agreements and treaties that are under consideration by African partners would provide a legal basis for economic cooperation in various fields. “We have taken stock and analyzed the legal framework of cooperation with African countries and suggest giving special attention to its improvement. The results of this work are reflected in the notes that we have passed on for your subsequent consideration,” the minister said. “We understand that the African countries have their own economic interests in Belarus, which include the supply of their own products to our country. A number of our companies have a successful experience of working with African partners to import vegetables and fruits, coffee, cocoa, rubber, leather and fish to Belarus. We are ready to maintain and promote contacts in this direction. In this case, we proceed from a simple postulate: our cooperation is a two-way street and is based on mutual respect, equality and observance of the interests of each other."
Photos by Pavel Orlovsky
