The Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Central African Republic, headed by the Chairman of the CAR National Assembly, Mr. Simlis Matthieu Sarandji.
"I am delighted to welcome you to the halls of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry," said the MCCI’s President, Mr. Vladimir Platonov, opening the meeting. - “We are doubly pleased to see representatives of the Central African Republic, some graduates of the Peoples' Friendship University. As it happens, my colleague, the Vice President of the MCCI, Mr. Suren Vardanyan and I are its graduates also. The Chamber’s President said that the "International Club of Employers," which he heads, consolidates graduates of Soviet and Russian universities around the world, including African countries. "Most of them have achieved considerable success in various fields, including business. We offer our cooperation to people who know and love Russia, have studied the Russian language, who are ready to work with our country," Mr. Platonov noted.
“I am very glad that we have met," said Mr. Sarandji in his response to Mr. Platonov. - “Giving your University the name of our independence leader, the African public figure, Mr. Patrice Lumumba, is significant and demonstrates the solidarity of our peoples". The `Head of the National Assembly of the CAR reported that in his country, with the assistance of Russian military specialists, 90% of the territory had been liberated from terrorists. Now, he said, is the time to develop the country's economy. "Our country is 'gifted' by nature," said Mr. Sarandji, "I mean that it is richly endowed with various natural resources, including fertile soils. We are waiting for Russian friends in order to jointly develop the economy of our country. Do not doubt our sincerity, we guarantee that cooperation will be mutually beneficial.
Mr. Simb Emil Parfait, Advisor to the Chairman of the National Assembly of the CAR, said that he heads the African Russophonic Organization, under the aegis of which it is planned to unite those, who are attracted to the Russian culture, as well as the Russian people living and working in Africa. Chamber’s guests reported that Russian language classes at the CAR universities have resumed over the past few months. In 2019, Russian was included in the curriculum of secondary schools, and from 2022-2023 it will become mandatory in universities. The development of curricula is now underway. "African entrepreneurs invest in the European economy, the U.S., Canada. But they are not acquainted with Russia. For young people, Russia has been closed to communication," said Mr. Parfait.
Messrs. Igor Shpynov and Stanislav Korolyov, members of the MCCI Commission for foreign economic cooperation with partners in Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa), took part in the event from the Russian side. Moscow business community was represented by Mr. Aleksey Lukyanenko, the General Director of "ADagar-R" company, and Mr. Andrey Kagal, the General Director of "SKL Trade Group”.
As the first step for the establishment of economic relations, Mr. Platonov proposed to sign an agreement between MCCI and the Chamber of Commerce of Bangui (the capital of the CAR). “On instruction of Moscow entrepreneurs, be assured that we are ready to develop economic relations between our countries," said the Head of the MCCI.