Astrakhan business was told how to enter the African markets

The My Business Center, with the support of the Astrakhan Region Government, hosted a seminar on the African Vector of the Astrakhan Region: Priorities, Exports, Logistics. 

The event was attended by Irina Melnikova, Director General of the Development Corporation, specialized specialists of the Corporation, representatives of departments, logistics, transport and port companies, universities in the region, and entrepreneurs. 

Vladimir Golovkov, Minister of External Relations of the Astrakhan Region, introduced the experts: Galli Monastyreva, Chairman of the Association for Economic Cooperation with African Countries (AECA), member of the Expert Council on Africa of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Viktor Yevseev, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Andrey Gorobtsov, Executive Director of AECA.

The head of the department noted that the region is steadily increasing ties with friendly countries of the continent: trade is growing, cooperation in agriculture and aquaculture is developing, projects in education and science are being implemented.

"The Astrakhan region intends to expand contacts with African partners, and in this work we count on the support of the Association," he addressed the guests.

Galli Monastyreva recalled that AESSA was established in 2020 on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation. It includes leading Russian companies and financial institutions interested in working on the continent. The Association helps the regions select reliable contractors, advises on doing business, assists in obtaining support from the African authorities and promotes the export potential of Russian companies.

"Africa today is one of the most promising areas for the export of goods, technologies and educational services," stressed the Chairman of AESSA. But it is impossible to consider the continent as a single market. Each country has its own economic priorities, consumer demand, and traditions. Successful exit requires not only a competitive product, but also a deep understanding of local specifics and the ability to build business relationships. We are ready to help at all stages, from market analysis to contract conclusion.

Answering questions from entrepreneurs, the experts recommended that the upcoming Russia-Africa summit be more actively used to hold B2B meetings with potential partners.