Report of Head of Belarus President Property Management Directorate Viktor Sheiman

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard out a report of Head of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate Viktor Sheiman on 14 March.

One of the main issues on the agenda was the development of cooperation between Belarus and African countries. “We agreed that you will visit a number of countries with which we are trying to cooperate and maintain good relations. We need to realize (and we do not conceal anything) what countries we will prioritize in building relations in the distant arc. You have worked on the matter more than anybody else. What can you propose in this context? What will our areas of focus be? With whom will we cooperate?” the head of state wondered.

Viktor Sheiman who visited a number of African countries following the instruction of the Belarusian president informed the head of state about promising avenues of work on this continent. These are mining, construction, energy sector, agriculture, transport and logistics, personnel training.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Viktor Sheiman discussed a number of countries where Belarus is planning to work in the abovementioned areas. Active work has been launched in the south of Africa, in such countries as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique. There are good prospects for cooperation in southeastern Africa. The sides are now working on the establishment of joint ventures in agriculture and a freight transportation company with the prospects of work in the south of Africa. Belarus is also taking part in the project to build a solar power station in Zimbabwe.

The meeting also focused on the operation of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate, subordinate enterprises and organizations. Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that this is a huge structure which incorporates various areas of activity ranging from arts and crafts to agriculture and national parks. “If there are any problems, we should identify them right now and solve them within a year,” the president said.

In this regard he reminded that the coming two years will be an exam for the entire power vertical. “All of us will pass an exam, you as well,” the Belarusian leader said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko and Viktor Sheiman also discussed new dimensions in the work of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate. In particular, proposals were made to develop the production of medications, medical equipment and expendable materials. They also discussed the development of agriculture, including the establishment of a factory for the growing and processing of red fish.