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The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, hosted the second Inter-University Championship focused on Russian international transport corridors.
The competition brought together 64 students from 10 universities, who presented and defended projects aimed at developing Russian transport and logistics hubs across Africa. The event, themed "Hub Russia-Africa: Assembly Point", highlighted innovative approaches to strengthening connectivity between Russia and African nations, as reported by TV BRICS. Speaking at the event, championship head Olga Podberezkina underscored the importance of building fair and independent logistics systems. Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's vision, she noted the need for autonomous land and maritime transport corridors that would enable BRICS+ nations to maintain stable supply chains for essential goods. She added that the championship aimed to explore diverse strategies for establishing Russian hubs in key African countries while fostering collaboration between government institutions and businesses and gathering practical feedback on proposed models. Denis Sinitsyn, Director of the Project Office for Support of Perspective Development Projects at VEB. RF and a jury member stressed the importance of improving transport accessibility in Central and West Africa, particularly in nations considered strategic partners of Russia. He described logistics as the backbone of economic activity, noting that resolving infrastructural challenges is essential for advancing trade, investment, and supply chain projects involving Russia and African markets. Ramazan Rakhmatov, Director for Export Sales at Sinara, Transport Machines, highlighted that Africa requires comprehensive logistics solutions rather than standalone infrastructure. He pointed out the need for integrated systems, including storage facilities with refrigeration, independent energy sources, and workforce training, to address structural limitations in the region. Rakhmatov also emphasised that such initiatives support the emergence of a multipolar global order and enhance cooperation within BRICS. He noted that diversified logistics hubs reduce dependence on traditional routes, while settlements in national currencies lower financial risks and improve sustainability. Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring two-way trade flows to maintain economic viability. The event received informational backing from the TV BRICS International Media Network, which promotes youth-driven initiatives and academic collaboration among BRICS+ countries. The jury featured experts from leading Russian institutions, while participants represented prominent universities across Russia. (ANI)
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