Wandile Sihlobo says question is whether there are potential long-term agricultural trade relations that two countries could establish
We will have our Ukrainian friends in Pretoria this week. A range of geopolitical matters will undoubtedly be the primary focus of the leadership of both countries during this working visit by the President of Ukraine.
However, there will be business engagements on the sidelines or days leading up to the visit. The Ukrainian President may visit South Africa, accompanied by senior government officials from the economic sector. Such conversations may be about forming connections to support Ukraine as it navigates the war and explores long-term business opportunities in the post-war world, whenever that day comes.
We already see some countries, such as the United States, exploring potential commercial interests in Ukraine for the future through a possible agreement on developing Ukraine’s mineral resources.
Of course, South Africa should be under no pressure to explore such ambitious commercial interests with Ukraine as the United States.
However, the question that may arise is whether there are potential long-term agricultural trade relations that our countries could establish in the future.
Now, both Ukraine and South Africa are net exporters of agricultural products. Ukraine’s agricultural exports are approximately US$21 billion per year, according to data from Trade Map. These exports are mainly comprised of sunflower oil, maize, wheat, canola, soybeans, poultry products, barley, and sugar, among other products. China, India, the Netherlands, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Poland, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, and Saudi Arabia are among Ukraine’s key agricultural export markets.