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"Today we have signed a memorandum of relations which will serve as a framework document defining the areas of cooperation between Belarus and Zimbabwe. The document also defines a mechanism for financing the purchases of Belarusian equipment in the amount of $150 million, which include both the supplies of tractors and dump trucks and equipment for the mining industry,” said the Vice President.

The memorandum of relations outlines such areas of cooperation between Belarus and Zimbabwe as agriculture, construction of irrigation systems, supply of road-building and mining equipment. Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa explained that the current visit was preceded by several visits of expert groups to Belarus who assessed the technical level of MTZ and other companies. According to their estimates, Belarus produces world-class equipment. "The amount of funding that is defined in the agreement has already been guaranteed by financial institutions in Zimbabwe," he said.

During the visit to MTZ Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa got familiar with the exhibition of machinery made by three major Belarusian enterprises: MTZ, MAZ, Amkodor. "Having seen the expo I instructed the head of the Central Bank of Zimbabwe to consider the possibility of buying the equipment from these manufacturers within the allocated financial line. I think Belarus will be able to satisfy the needs of Zimbabwe," he said.

MTZ General Director Fyodor Domotenko noted that the company plans to establish a service center in Zimbabwe. "We hope we will sign a contract for the supply of our equipment to Zimbabwe. If the deliveries go smoothly, then we will consider the possibility of establishing an assembly facility with certain technological localization in Zimbabwe," he informed.