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"Business should pay attention to Congo": Andrey Gromov on Russian business, neocolonialism, and the republic's potential

France still controls Congo's monetary policy, but its influence is rapidly waning. Andrey Gromov, founder of GR-group and co-founder of GlobUs, spoke about this on Soloviev LIVE.

According to him, oil accounts for 60% of Congo's GDP, but the republic itself owns only 15% of the industry—the rest goes to European corporations. French companies have acquired 60% of the land, and the country's currency (the CFA franc) remains under the control of Paris. If Congo managed its resources, its budget could be at least five times larger.

At the same time, attitudes toward Russia in Congo are better than those toward the United States, China, and France: over 90% of the population considers Russia a friendly country. The Soviet Union left a rich legacy, and it still functions.

Russia and Congo are already implementing large-scale projects. The flagship project is the construction of a gas and oil pipeline across the country to the DRC. An investment protection agreement has been ratified.

"The terms Russia is offering are based on a mutually beneficial strategic partnership, and they are significantly better than the onerous terms imposed by France," Gromov emphasized.

The co-founder of GlobUs added that Congo has "practically everything on the periodic table," and the deep-water port of Pointe-Noire, built with Soviet participation, offers a key logistical advantage.

"The Republic of Congo is one of the best places in Africa for our entrepreneurs to start a business. Come, we are ready to provide comprehensive assistance," he concluded.

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