Business news

KHARTOUM, 17 January (BelTA) – Belarus and Sudan signed agreements worth $50 million in Khartoum, Belarus Vice Premier Vladimir Semashko told the media.

“Nearly $50 million worth of contracts have been signed today. It is a very good result for a one-day visit. But this is only the beginning. I believe this sum can and should be increased manifold,” he said.

According to Vladimir Semashko, Belarus has been working with Sudan to advance its products onto the country’s market for many years already. Sudan is largely interested in farm equipment and agricultural technologies. In the near future Sudan plans to test a Belarusian harvester which was especially designed for the country taking into account its climate. “If the testing runs successfully, we will be talking about the delivery of hundreds of such harvesters,” noted the Vice Premier.

“We should enter an absolutely new level, which would mean not only supplies but also the setting up of assembly plants with plans for up to 40% of localization. Fertilizers are needed to reach the corresponding efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector. Belarus has a wide range of potash, nitrogen and phosphate compound fertilizers. These matters are under discussion,” said Vladimir Semashko.

Sudan is well-known for its mineral reserves, including gold, oil and gas. Thus, the local market may need mining machinery. The parties are in talks on the relevant matters.

According to the Vice Premier, not long ago MAZ launched its supplies to Sudan. The two countries have also agreed to set up a plant to assemble optical products.

Apart from that, the two countries are discussing the personnel training, taking into account the plans for joint and assembly plants, and the use of the corresponding equipment in Sudan.

The parties are also in talks to deliver Belarusian pharmaceutical goods to Sudan.

Vladimir Semashko pointed out the oil and gas sector as a promising area of cooperation. Belarusian specialists are ready to take part in geologic exploration and drill hole development projects. Belarus is ready to participate in the construction and reconstruction of energy facilities in Sudan.