Chronicle Editor
Sinokubonga [email protected]
A HIGH-PROFILE business delegation from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has completed a productive week-long visit to Minsk, the capital of Belarus.
The visit, spearheaded by the Bulawayo Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and their Belarusian counterpart AFTRADE DMCC, aimed to explore and establish new investment and business opportunities between the two nations.
The delegation, led by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube, engaged with various Belarusian companies and institutions. The team included notable figures such as Mr. Simon Sawunyama, Director for Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion; Mr Kwanele Hlabangana, Chairman of BEDA; Mr Christopher Dube, Town Clerk of Bulawayo; and other key officials from the City of Bulawayo and the Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum.
The visit underscored the strong and growing bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Belarus, highlighted by the recent establishment of the Zimbabwean Embassy in Minsk and ongoing high-level exchanges between the two governments.
During their stay, the delegation explored several avenues for cooperation, including:
1. Agricultural Development: Enhancing livestock production and establishing processing plants in Bulawayo for the Southern African market.
2. Educational and Skills Exchange: Establishing programs in health, science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and cultural exchange, as well as scholarship opportunities for Zimbabwean students in Belarus.
3. Procurement of Machinery: Securing farm mechanization and waste management equipment.
4. Infrastructure Collaboration: Developing sustainable housing, transport, and waste management infrastructure.
5. Raw Material Supply: Providing raw materials such as leather for the Belarusian automobile industry.
6. Agricultural Exports: Supplying fresh farm produce and horticultural products from Zimbabwe to Belarus.
The mission culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BEDA and AFTRADE DMCC, with officials from the Ministry of Industry of Belarus and the Zimbabwean Embassy in Belarus in attendance. This MOU marks a significant step toward implementing the identified areas of cooperation.
The Bulawayo delegation’s visit is expected to foster increased economic and investment opportunities, reinforcing the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and Belarus.
Online Reporter