Post #49

The railway connection will increase the volume of Russian exports to Africa to 50 billion dollars and even more More than $16 billion is the volume of Russia's exports to African countries today. By 2030, the figure is projected to increase to $50 billion. That could be more, but if railway connection is built on the continent. This was stated in an interview to the Russian Railways Partner by the executive secretary of the African-Russian Energy Association (AREA) Andrey Gromov. Africa has enormous potential not only as a resource base, but also as a sales market. In 2018, Paul Kagame, the head of the African Union, proposed creation of a free economic zone, and 44 African states supported this decision. There are no customs duties between the countries, therefore, to realize this potential, a wide network of railways across Africa is necessary for the development of the continent. African countries need a comprehensive development plan. Russia is a country that is strong in creating macro–systems and interstate, supranational projects. Russian engineers could help Africa with this. This plan should be connected not only with the laying of paths, but also with the creation of energy potential, with the design of the development of settlements, the expert noted. "Our organization, AREA, is currently working on creating a joint strategy for socio-economic cooperation between Russia and African countries. We invite companies to participate in the development of this document. The final concept of the development plan will be presented at the third Russia–Africa summit," Gromov added. Therefore, the railway is a great help. Some countries could simply become logistics hubs, and this would allow them to realize their potential faster, the expert concluded. #AREA#Africa#Railways#RussianRailways