By Charles Mkoka
A senior trade official from Belarus has underscored the importance of trust, personal relationships and direct engagement in unlocking business opportunities with Tanzania, as bilateral talks between the two countries gather pace.
Mikalai Barysevich, Director General for Export Promotion, made the remarks during a visit to the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), describing his trip as both a strategic mission and a personal effort to better understand Tanzania’s people and business environment.
“I felt privileged to come and see with my own eyes, to get acquainted with the people,” he said, stressing that lasting trade partnerships are built on direct human connection.
Barysevich pointed to what he described as a “huge room for maneuver” in expanding bilateral trade, noting that both countries still have limited awareness of each other’s markets, products and investment opportunities.
Bridging that gap, he said, is the core role of export promotion institutions, helping businesses establish direct links, exchange information and identify viable areas for cooperation.
“We should know much more about each other,” he added, emphasising the need for stronger information flows between business communities.
The Belarusian official said his delegation approached the engagement with openness and flexibility, signalling readiness to deepen cooperation based on Tanzania’s priorities.
“We are coming with an open heart and open hands,” he said. “We are ready to go as far as Tanzania is ready.”
Beyond trade in goods, Barysevich highlighted Belarus’ willingness to pair exports with technology transfer, describing it as a key component in supporting Tanzania’s long-term industrial growth.
He also struck a personal tone, describing the visit as the beginning of meaningful relationships that could underpin future business success.
“Friendship is about two people,” he said, underscoring the importance of mutual commitment in international partnerships.
Barysevich added that his institution would take a listening-first approach, aligning its support with Tanzania’s needs while promoting business opportunities on both sides.
“We will listen to our partners and try to be as helpful as possible,” he said.
The remarks reflect a broader shift toward relationship-driven economic diplomacy, where trust and collaboration are increasingly seen as essential to unlocking trade — particularly between emerging and non-traditional partners.
With both sides signalling openness, officials say the engagement could mark the beginning of a deeper, more strategic partnership between Tanzania and Belarus.
