Business news

MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) – The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is setting in motion a new project named School of Export, BCCI Chairman Vladimir Ulakhovich told the media ahead of the business seminar Africa. Export Prospects on 27 March, BelTA has learned.

“Today the BCCI is launching a big project, School of Export. This is a new project making part of the BCCI 2020 development strategy,” Vladimir Ulakhovich said. In his words, the project will take into account all export destinations and will train all kinds of export specialists, from top managers to those working at exhibition stands.

The business seminar Africa. Export Prospects has become the first event organized under the School of Export project. In this regard, Vladimir Ulakhovich pointed to great prospects for Belarusian companies in the export of goods and services and setting up joint assembly plants together with African countries. “In 2016, Russia’s portfolio of export orders for Africa was estimated at $230 million. Belarus’ orders totaled $233 million. We have a solid background which is primarily based on the promotion of our mechanical engineering products. There are other examples, however. We have made headway in mineral extraction in Africa, in food exports, and developing our services. As of today, 884 African students are studying in Belarusian universities. This is not a very significant number. We are yet to improve these services. Healthcare, petrochemistry, agricultural technologies – these things make part of our portfolio,” the BCCI chairman remarked.

He pointed to certain sticking points in cooperation with African countries. “There are many issues, primarily with logistics and motivation of our companies. Branching out into Africa is probably a difficult decision. All countries are different and have their own problems. We do realize this. This is why, on the one hand, our task is to encourage our companies and inform them about the instruments of support provided by the BCCI, the Development Bank, Beleximgarant, and our diplomatic missions abroad. On the other hand, we need to demonstrate some positive examples,” Vladimir Ulakhovich stressed.

The business seminar Africa. Export Prospects is taking place at the BCCI Business Education Center. The participants are provided with the necessary information on how to branch out into the markets of Africa and promote Belarusian goods and services, including the aspects of operation in African countries. The participants will also have an opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms of government support for domestic exports and consider practical matters related with exports to Africa during panel discussions with representatives of diplomatic missions and consulates of African countries in Belarus, and Belarusian companies selling products into Africa.