"Africa is a very promising region for us." Anzhelika Nikitina spoke about the plans for cooperation between the Vitebsk region and Burundi
For two days, the Vitebsk region was visited by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Russian Federation and concurrently to the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Joseph Nkurunziza. This is his second visit to our republic; the first took place in the autumn of last year when the head of the diplomatic mission of the African country presented his credentials to Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk. For his second official trip, the Ambassador of Burundi chose the Vitebsk region, explaining that it is attractive due to its rich history, industrial potential, developed agricultural sector, and openness to cooperation.
– We have a saying: a bird that does not fly does not know where the grain is. I adhere to this proverb and decided to personally familiarize myself with the opportunities for developing our business and friendly relations, – noted Joseph Nkurunziza.
On the first day, the Ambassador visited Novopolotsk and Polotsk, familiarized himself with the industrial potential of the oil city, and visited Polotsk State University named after Euphrosyne of Polotsk, St. Sophia Cathedral, and the former Polotsk Collegium.
In Vitebsk, a meeting was held with the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Anzhelika Nikitina, and the heads of the largest enterprises interested in business ties with Burundi.
As Anzhelika Nikitina noted, the priority area of cooperation with African countries, including Burundi, is increasing the export of goods and services. Last year, goods worth $316.5 thousand were shipped to the African continent, which is 7.6 times higher than in 2023. In January of this year, exports increased tenfold.
– Africa is a very promising region for us. Almost all types of products manufactured in the Vitebsk region are in demand in the countries of the second largest continent by area and population. We sell petroleum products, wood products, fiberglass, skimmed milk powder and whey, linen fabrics, veterinary drugs, tractor spare parts, and more. Today, as part of a pilot project, we are working on organizing supplies of tinplate produced by the Miory Metal Rolling Company. Currently, the payment system, payment processing, and logistics are restraining factors, but there are instructions to eliminate these obstacles, – explained Anzhelika Nikitina.
The region's enterprises are ready to offer African consumers medical products, water purification and treatment stations, telescopic lifts, fire-fighting and agricultural machinery, metal-cutting tools, and electric cable from the "Energokomplekt" Production Association. For our part, we are interested in supplying African fruits, coffee, tea, cotton, minerals, and natural resources to Belarus.
– All conditions for developing logistical potential have been created in the Vitebsk region; the region can serve as an intermediate link in the movement of goods both from African countries to Russia, and in the future to Europe, as well as in the opposite direction, – emphasized Anzhelika Nikitina.
Tourism development was also discussed. Burundi is one of the most central countries on the continent and is very attractive to tourists. Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake after Baikal, is located here. It holds 18% of the world's fresh water reserves. The national park, savannas, and rich flora and fauna are impressive. By the way, visas can be obtained in one day at the embassy or at the airport upon arrival.
– I have received very detailed information about the Vitebsk region and I can say that I am interested in all the economic sectors that were presented. I see great prospects for our mutually beneficial cooperation, – summarized the Ambassador of Burundi, summing up the meeting.
To conclude his visit, Joseph Nkurunziza visited the agro-industrial facilities of "Vitebskoblgaz". Burundi is an agricultural country and is interested in advanced technologies in this field. And we have something to show and share.