[ad_1]
The Association for Economic Cooperation with African States (AECAS) and the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia-Zimbabwe Business Council, Vi Holding, with the support of the Roscongress Foundation, have hosted a webinar titled Russian Affairs in Zimbabwe.
During the meeting, experts and business representatives discussed Russian-Zimbabwean business contacts, interaction with authorities, relationship building with business partners and prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Irina Abramova, director of the Institute for African Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Zimbabwe has potential interest and is open to Russian affairs. “The country is rich in minerals such as palladium, lithium, chromium and many others. Exploration and extraction of minerals is extremely important and very promising, ”she said.
Vladimir Shubin, chief researcher at the Center for Social and Political Studies at the Institute of African Studies, also drew attention to the importance of Russian-Zimbabwean business relations.
Vasily Sidorov, researcher at the Institute of African Studies, noted in his speech that Zimbabwe is a state with great economic potential. “The country needs investments to develop its economy, which could be an attractive factor for Russian companies. The country has one of the most educated populations on the continent. Zimbabwe is also considered one of the safest states in Africa, ”he noted.
Igor Higer, Vi Holding Representative in Africa and Vice Chairman of the Board of Great Dyke Investments, spoke about the specifics of doing business in Africa. “The mistake many Russian companies make is that not everyone is ready to open a representative office in Africa. Knowing government officials or potential partners can only give them a first impression of the country and future plans. And for large-scale activities, you first have to open a full-fledged office, as is done all over the world, ”he said.
Zimbabwe is attractive to investors, including those in the agricultural sector, according to Igor Higer. “Belarus and China are successfully supplying agricultural machinery to Zimbabwe. But so far Russian industrialists have shown no interest in it, while the development of agriculture has great potential in Zimbabwe, in my opinion, ”said Igor Higer.
Kristina Dubinina, Director of Strategic Marketing at Transmashholding, said it was important for the company to develop its business not only in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where the wagon manufacturing plant is located, but also in other countries of the continent.
“Zimbabwe could be an interesting destination given its proximity to South Africa, where Transmashholding already has production facilities. We are interested in a comprehensive strategic approach in Africa, and we are looking for synergies and development points in this growing market full of potential, ”said Kristina Dubinina.
She also noted that an important area for the company was the educational potential in countries of potential presence, which enables faster and better localization of technologies and skills.
Summarizing the webinar, Anna Belyaeva, Executive Director of AECAS, noted that the organization plans to continue organizing events that help expand business contacts between African and Russian companies, develop new substantive topics and implement them. “I would like to underline the willingness of AECAS to support and promote existing and new business projects,” concluded Anna Belyaeva.
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Source link
