Business news

MINSK, 13 March (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko heard out a report of Head of the Belarus President’s Property Management Directorate Viktor Sheiman on 13 March, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The meeting focused on the prospects of expanding Belarus’ economic cooperation with African countries. The president was informed about the results of Viktor Sheiman’s visit to Zimbabwe. He visited this country following the instruction of the head of state.

In particular, there were productive negotiations with Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the first vice president, the minister of mines and mining development, the chairman of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, ministers of foreign affairs and international trade, agriculture, transport and infrastructure development, higher education, development of science and technologies.

During the talks the sides concluded about $58 million worth of contacts, including on the delivery of Belarusian tractors to the tune of $43 million and forestry equipment to the tune of $15 million. The sides also discussed the assembly of Belarusian agricultural and mining equipment in Zimbabwe.

Besides, Zimbabwe is interested in the purchase of Belarusian fertilizers. A contract to the tune of about $10 million is in the pipeline.

The sides agreed to develop cooperation in many fields. In particular, plans have been made to set up joint milk and meat processing enterprises. Zimbabwe is ready to use Belarus’ experience in land rehabilitation and irrigation. The sides are eager to set up joint ventures to implement projects in housing, industrial and road construction, transport, and logistics. According to Viktor Sheiman, the sides are mulling over the prospects of cooperation in the energy sector.

The president was also informed about the prospects of developing contacts with Zimbabwe in the mining industry and setting up joint mining enterprises. Particularly, Belarusian specialists can take part in geological surveys, extraction of oil and gas in Zimbabwe.