Belarus has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic and industrial ties with Zimbabwe, with plans underway to assist in the assembly of buses and tractors under the Belarus Mechanisation Programme.
This was revealed by the visiting Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Viktor Karankevich, after he paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday.
Mr Karankevich described the meeting as a major step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding practical cooperation between the two countries.
“We discussed all the possibilities for further fast-tracking bilateral directions in every particular sphere to increase the benefits for the populations of both countries,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of previous joint projects, particularly those targeting the modernisation of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector a key driver of economic growth.
“Belarus is proud to be part of strategically important joint ventures and stands ready to implement all current and future projects of interest to Zimbabwe,” Mr Karankevich stated.
One of the major upcoming areas of collaboration involves the local assembly of buses and tractors , a development that is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity, create jobs, and improve agricultural productivity.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s visit comes during the ongoing Mid-Term Review of the Zimbabwe–Belarus Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), which aims to assess the progress of existing agreements and identify new opportunities for cooperation.
- World View: Might Russia use its 'tactical' nukes?
- Mystery buyer of diamonds outed
- Opposition MPs demand answers on Belarus bus deal
- Polls are tricky, Belarus warns ED
Keep Reading
Under the current framework of cooperation, Zimbabwe exports commodities such as tobacco, cotton, and minerals to Belarus, while receiving vital agricultural and industrial equipment, including combine harvesters, tractors, and potash fertilizers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has previously hailed the Belarus Mechanisation Programme as a transformative initiative that has boosted Zimbabwe’s farming capacity and rural development.
With both countries viewing each other as strategic partners, the strengthening of industrial cooperation including the localisation of machinery production marks a significant evolution in Zimbabwe-Belarus relations. It reflects a shared vision for mutually beneficial development built on technology transfer, trade, and long-term investment.
The visit by Mr Karankevich is expected to pave the way for more high-level engagements and the finalisation of key industrialisation deals in the near future.
