One of the main events of the Russia–Africa Economic Forum will be a session entitled ‘The Eurasian Economic Union and Africa: Trends and Opportunities to Develop Integrated Processes and Collaborate’, which is dedicated to promoting best practice exchange between countries and developing mutually beneficial cooperation. The session is due to take place on 23 October as part of the business programme pillar entitled ‘Forging Economic Ties’.
Among the participants in the discussion will be Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Tigran Sargsyan; President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Sergey Katyrin; Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius Usha Chandnee Dwarka-Canabady; and Secretary General of the East African Community Libérat Mfumukeko.

Over the last few decades, processes of economic integration have become a megatrend for the development of regions across the world, helping their member states to successfully integrate into the global economy and minimize risks arising from crises in different economic sectors. The Eurasian Economic Union and African countries have accumulated a wealth of skills. Effective dialogue and best practice exchange can help optimize processes of economic integration and form a basis for cooperation across a whole spectrum of issues. Experience solving migration issues and problems of both employment and the digitalization of society presents an opportunity to find common ground and ensure synergy in these spheres, as well as in a range of other spheres.

“The African Union is a large market which is undergoing active development. Its rate of growth is testament to the fact that the continent is becoming a serious economic player in the global arena. And today is the right time to find niches where joint comparative advantages can be implemented. We are taking the first steps toward institutionalizing relations with the African Union. Using the platform of the Sochi Summit, a memorandum of cooperation will be signed between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the African Union. As for the development of cooperation with African countries, we are taking an active lead in negotiations to conclude a free-trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Egypt, a country which is currently chairing the African Union,” said Tigran Sargysan.

The Russia–Africa Summit and Economic Forum is due to take place in Sochi on 23–24 October 2019 at the Sirius Park of Science and Art. Events are organized by the Roscongress Foundation. Russian Export Centre and Afreximbank are co-organizing the Forum.