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Opinion: It is important for Belarus to step up presence in Africa, Latin America

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MINSK, 15 February (BelTA) – With the global economy slowing down in the wake of the pandemic, it is important for Belarus to step up presence in Africa and Latin America, Bogdan Iodchik, an analyst with the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, said in an interview with BelTA.

“Belarus has long-standing business interests in Africa and Latin America. Taking into account the global trend for regionalization, stepping up our presence in these regions is increasingly important,” the analyst believes.

"We have considerable experience of working in these regions in terms of localization of production, creation of a marketing network and other forms of cooperation. Industrial products from Belarus are quite well-known and often have competitive advantages in terms of quality and price. Belarusian exporters have established themselves as responsible partners,” Bogdan Iodchik said. “Yet, the geographical distance of Africa and Latin America, complex logistics, trade and bureaucratic barriers are natural obstacles to full cooperation. At the same time, some of the African and Latin American elites received education in the Soviet Union, which reinforces the positive image of the post-Soviet countries in general and Belarus in particular, as an understandable and reliable partner."

First batches of Belarusian rock haulers were shipped to Africa in the early 1990s, Bogdan Iodchik cited an example. Belarus' experience in agriculture is relevant for a number of African countries experiencing food problems, while potash fertilizers are a serious export item of our country to Africa and Latin America, the analyst said. He also noted that the military and technical sphere is an important area of cooperation with a number of African countries.

"Belarus seeks to develop balanced relations with the states of Africa and Latin America within the framework of the economic diplomacy on the basis of mutual respect and trust," Bogdan Iodchik said. The markets of most countries in these regions are largely protectionist, so it makes sense for Belarus to use the EAEU mechanisms more actively to create a legal framework with regional integration entities. For example, the 260-million strong MERCOSUR market in Latin America, or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are of interest to our country."

In general, developing relations with the countries of Africa and Latin America, in accordance with the principle of multi-vector foreign policy approved at the Belarusian people’s Congress, meets the long-term interests of Belarus. Expanding ties with these regions will enable Belarus to diversify exports and to gain access to new markets, Bogdan Iodchik noted.

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