31 Jan 2023 20:04

EEC working to create Eurasian industrial zone in South Africa

MINSK. Jan 31 (Interfax) - The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) is working to create a Eurasian industrial zone in South Africa, the EEC said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The EEC and South Africa are in talks over the creation in South Africa of a Eurasian industrial zone, and stepping up their cooperation in agriculture. That much was agreed upon during a meeting between EEC Industry and Agriculture Minister Artak Kamalyan and South African Ambassador to Russia and Belarus Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka at an EEC venue on January 30," the statement said.

"The minister proposed to consider the creation in South Africa of a Eurasian industrial zone to serve as a point of entry to as yet untapped African markets for EAEU manufacturers," it said.

"The sides discussed a number of matters relating to their interaction and broader cooperation, bigger trade volumes, organizing and conducting joint business missions between EAEU members and the South African Republic, and joint participation in international events.

"Among potential areas of cooperation of mutual interest are the development of agricultural production (fruit, seafood), technical material resources such as agricultural equipment, and wine-making. Encouraging investment in the agricultural sector would help raise its efficiency and develop the infrastructure. It is good that the dynamic of mutual trade in agricultural raw materials and food is showing the potential for growth. And I am certain there is great potential for our interaction," Kamalyan was quoted in the statement as saying.