Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
VARIOUS exchanges between Zimbabwe and Belarus were held this Tuesday as the two countries seek to deepen economic relations, riding on the already existing excellent political ties.
The engagements are part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s four-day official visit to Belarus.
“We are exploring opportunities for scientific and economic cooperation. Belarus has advanced technology and equipment that can greatly enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean industry. We are now focusing on moving beyond trade to local assembly and manufacturing. For instance, we have been importing dairy machinery for small-scale farmers, but we are pushing for local production going forward,” ZimTrade’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allan Majuru said.
Belarus, a global leader in agricultural machinery, is already exporting equipment to Zimbabwe. According to Mr Mikalai Barysevich, Director General of the Belarus National Centre for Marketing, the country produces one in every ten tractors and one in every six harvesters worldwide.
“This is precisely what Zimbabwe needs. But our cooperation is not just one-way. We also want goods from Zimbabwe. It must be a mutually beneficial partnership,” he said.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube met with his Belarus counterpart, with discussions focusing on ways of increasing investment between the two countries.
“We are looking at promoting investment creating a wonderful opportunity between Zimbabwe and Belarus and this is key,” he said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere also toured the Belarus Belta News Agency.
“The primary spheres are human capital development which is the exchange of media and communication knowledge and experience within our respective countries, technological sovereignty which includes the transition from analogue to digital. Media sovereignty to protect, advance and defend the information flow within our respective countries and social media imperialism,” he said.
The official visit to Belarus by President Mnangagwa is expected to culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries.
