OREANDA-NEWS. April 11, 2011. Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich praises the potential of cooperation with Zimbabwe. The Belarusian Premier made this statement as he met with Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe John Nkomo in Minsk.

“The potential of our states is big. We are able to establish good trade and economic relations, set up joint companies,” Mikhail Myasnikovich stressed.

The Belarusian head of government added that Belarus is ready to consider with Zimbabwe not only the issues of cooperation in trade, i.e. the sales of agricultural equipment, trucks and fertilizers, but also address the issues of joint production. “We are a European state and work according to the European standards. We produce highly liquid goods,” he stressed.

Mikhail Myasnikovich emphasized that Zimbabwe can offer Belarus a lot of interesting areas for cooperation. The countries should develop a necessary legal framework to make them work, the Premier is confident. “Our agreements are solid, and we confirm their continuity. At the same time large-scale cooperation needs special agreements in trade and economic cooperation, education, other areas,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said. In his words, another important issue is to develop solvent schemes between the two countries to minimize possible risks in mutual payments. “This issue is of mutual interest. I think we will consider it today,” he said.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the visit of the Zimbabwean delegation to Belarus together with a heavy program worked out by the Belarusian side would help the two countries define the areas of mutual interest. “We have a stable presence on the African continent, but believe this is not enough. Your visit would strengthen mutual positions on this promising market,” Mikhail Myasnikovich underlined.

The Zimbabwean Vice President noted that his country has accumulated some experience and possesses a serious potential in the mining industry, while Belarus produces the necessary equipment. “I think that the establishment of joint ventures will benefit the both countries,” John Nkomo said. Zimbabwe has resources, while Belarus has experts and the necessary equipment, he added.

According to him, the two countries need to identify cooperation prospects in economy, trade, and consider setting up joint ventures. “The two states need to analyze possible cooperation projects and focus on some of them. My mission is to voice the interest of our state in the cooperation with Belarus, to tell our Belarusian counterparts that we are ready for cooperation, we have something to offer and we hope that Belarus also has something to offer to our country,” he said.

John Nkomo added that agriculture might be among the priority cooperation avenues. Over 80% of Zimbabweans are engaged in agricultural production. The Vice President of Zimbabwe expressed interest in purchasing Belarusian farm machines. “Belarusian tractors are very reliable. We have visited MTZ, saw the whole lineup of the company’s products and believe that these tracts can satisfy the demand of agricultural enterprises of all sizes,” he said. John Nkomo suggested that Belarus and Zimbabwe cooperate in the production of fruits and vegetables and tobacco.

The Zimbabwean Vice President emphasized that today his country is free and sovereign. “We are moving forward with our head high and want to expand ties with those who stood by us during our fight for independence,” he said. According to John Nkomo, the two countries have great cooperation prospects.

Also Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich has been invited to visit Zimbabwe by Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe John Nkomo.

“If you have not been to Zimbabwe, you have not been to Africa. I invite you to visit our country,” John Nkomo said addressing Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The diplomatic relations between Belarus and Zimbabwe were established in April 1992. In 2010, the bilateral trade stood at USD 2.7 million. Belarus’ export amounted to USD 0.1 million (159% as against 2009) and was made up chiefly by printed products and tires. In the previous years Belarus’ export was dominated by potash fertilizers, automobiles, motorcycles, stone processing equipment and printed products. Zimbabwe exports tobacco and insignificant amount of fruit and vegetables to Belarus.

The promising cooperation avenues include the supplies of Belarusian machines, in particular MAZ line-haul trucks and mining dump trucks, to Zimbabwe. Besides, Belarus might export tractors, tires, engines, foodstuffs and fertilizers. The two countries have great cooperation potential in the mining industry, agriculture and infrastructure development. Apart from that, Belarusian universities can train Zimbabwean specialists for all the branches of the domestic economy.