The turnover between Minsk and Maputo is slightly more than $9m — far from a figure that could satisfy both countries. The President noted that the weak business activity is partly preconditioned by the absence of a legal framework for co-operation. The visit of the Prime Minister also aims to eliminate this gap. Moreover, we look at each other closer again after a rather long break in collaboration. Once, Mozambique was very friendly with the USSR, and the Soviet Union supported this Eastern African state, training its specialists in various spheres. The memory about this is still alive and it’s possible to build an efficient and mutually beneficial present and future on the basis of our common past.
The President didn’t conceal that, in recent years, Belarus has been actively searching for footholds in Africa, and that Mozambique could become one such stepping stone from which we could promote our economic interests to neighbouring states.
This is beneficial not only for us but also for our partners. The model has been successfully tested in Latin America. Strengthening in Venezuela opened the way to other countries of the region, while the country itself received new production facilities, residential districts and support in the development of agriculture, exploitation and production of mineral resources.
Mozambique is also a very promising country, boasting serious tourist potential and solid mineral deposits. Mr. Vaquina also admitted that there’s a great interest in developing agriculture. Based on some estimates, up to 88 percent of fertile land is not involved in agriculture, even though the economy is mostly farming based. Belarusian experience in the development in the agricultural sector, together with the ability to manufacture necessary components for this technique in the Eastern Africa, could be very helpful in this respect.
Briefly speaking, there are enough points of coincidence of pragmatic interests. The dialogue is gaining momentum and there are all reasons to suppose that it will bring a tangible economic effect. The President assured his guest, in readiness to develop collaboration across all areas.
By Dmitry Kryat
Proposal counts on technology
Mozambique proposes common development of deposits of natural gas to Belarusian businessmen
“Big reserves of natural gas have been found in Mozambique, and this sphere can be prospective for investment from the side of representatives of Belarusian business, as well as for co-operation” noted Rogério Manuel, the Chief Executive of the Confederation of Trade Associations of Mozambique, at the Belarusian-Mozambique business-meeting that was held at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to his information, companies from Italy and the USA are currently occupied with the development and output of natural gas in Mozambique. Coal deposits have also been found and mines are being built. “We are interested in co-operation in this sphere with representatives of small and medium business of Belarus, which can participate in the realisation of big projects” Rogério Manuel said.
