Belarus keen to partner Zimbabwe in milk deal

ZIMBABWE and the Republic of Belarus continue to strengthen bilateral ties with a focus on unlocking mutually beneficial economic opportunities including the partnership on dairy production, which is expected to be finalised in June.

Talks towards the deal were initiated in 2023 and upon implementation, the two countries are set to trade large quantities of dairy products and other related goods and services.

As part of the partnership, Belarus anticipates establishing a state-of-the-art dairy facility in Zimbabwe to improve national milk production.

This partnership is significant for both states, as Belarus has a surplus of milk and Zimbabwe is looking to boost its dairy sector, having trimmed the level of imports recently through successful strategies involving the Government and producers.

In an interview yesterday in Bulawayo, where Belarus is exhibiting at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), a senior Belarusian official Mr Dzmitry Serhamasau, confirmed the development, saying the milk deal is expected to not only strengthen economic ties between the two countries but also increase access to high-quality dairy products for consumers in Zimbabwe.

“Overall, the Belarus-Zimbabwe milk deal represents a prime example of international co-operation and mutual benefit,” he said.

“It showcases the power of trade agreements in fostering economic growth and development for countries around the world.”

Mr Serhamasau said the Belarusian government is also keen on expanding its presence in the wider African market, while Zimbabwe sees the deal as a way to improve its dairy industry and provide its citizens with access to quality dairy products.

“The agreement is also expected to benefit farmers in both countries as it will create new opportunities for trade and collaboration.

“In addition to milk, the two countries are exploring other agricultural partnerships, including the exchange of expertise and technology in the farming sector.

“The first shipments of Belarusian dairy products are scheduled to arrive in Zimbabwe in June and July, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership,” said Mr Serhamasau.

“As you know, we are among the top five milk exporting countries in the world. Our dairy products boast of quality and high health benefits.

“Just recently, we invited officials from the Ministry of Health and Veterinary Services Department to Belarus, to inspect our farms and dairy processing plants.”

He mentioned that the dairy produce deal came at an ideal time as the country is faced with a drought.

“Among the products that will be on the first shipment include infant milk formula, schemed milk and different types of cheese. We are also planning on partnering with one of Zimbabwe’s biggest dairy suppliers, Dendairy,” said Mr Serhamasau.

Belarus boasts of new technologies for production, processing and marketing of dairy products.

Recent reports suggest that milk production in Zimbabwe is now expanding at a rate of 36 percent, as support by the Government to dairy farmers continues to bear fruit.

From an output of 75 million litres of raw milk in 2020, the country’s dairy farmers now produce around 91,4 million litres.

The visit by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to Zimbabwe in 2023 was a first of its kind to Sub-Saharan Africa and signified Zimbabwe’s growing global influence and the success of President Mnangagwa’s policy of “a friend to all and enemy to none” and also the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” philosophy.

During the visit, Zimbabwe and Belarus signed eight bilateral agreements in the areas of education, agriculture and economic co-operation.

The two leaders also launched the Second Phase of the Farm Mechanisation Programme and Zimbabwe took delivery of an additional 1 300 tractors, 14 combine harvesters and disc harrows.

The first phase saw 474 tractors, 60 combine harvesters, 210 planters and five low-bed trucks being delivered to the country and distributed to farmers through the Land Bank and CBZ.-chronicleolzw