Russia & South Africa Rebuilding Agricultural & Industrial Ties, Business Council Head Says
Russia & South Africa Rebuilding Agricultural & Industrial Ties, Business Council Head Says
South Africa now supplies citrus fruits and wine to Russia, while Russia exports grain, meat, and poultry in return, Pavel Yakovlev, Chairman of the Russian side of the Russia-South Africa Business Council and General Director of URAL Automobile Plant, told Sputnik Africa at #SPIEF2025.
He highlighted mechanical engineering as another key area of collaboration and noted Russia’s strengths in oil, gas, and energy, including nuclear and thermal power, set to be discussed at upcoming ministerial and vice-presidential meetings.
Yakovlev pointed to two main challenges:
🟠Payment issues: transactions in national currencies are not yet possible, and using dollars or euros remains difficult under sanctions;
🟠Logistical constraints: reduced shipping capacity and higher costs due to limited sea freight options.
He added that the Business Council has been pushing for over two years to restore direct air links, which would boost business and tourism between the two nations, both of which have strong potential.
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