Zimbabwe
8 April 2009
South Africa and Zimbabwe are to sign a Bilateral Promotion and Reciprocal
Protection Investments Agreement. The agreement will be ratified during the
South Africa-Zimbabwe Business Forum, to be held next week Tuesday, 14 April
2009, at Meropa Hotel in Polokwane.
The purpose of the forum is to highlight trade and investment opportunities,
following the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity in
Zimbabwe. The new government of Zimbabwe, through its Short-Term Emergency
Recovery Programme (STERP) has committed itself to encouraging new local and
foreign investment to stimulate the country's economic growth and
development.
The Business Forum follows the third session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa
Joint Commission, held last month at Victoria Falls. The Joint Commission
agreed, amongst other initiatives, to finalise negotiations on the Bilateral
Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, Memorandum on Economic
Co-operation and Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
They also agreed to co-operate in enhancing production in the mining sector,
finalise negotiations on a draft Protocol on Tourism, and establish a Bilateral
Tourism Technical Committee, the latter in view of the tourism growth prospects
emerging from the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Transfrontier Conservation Parks.
The South African Minister of Trade and Industry, Mandisi Mpahlwa, the
Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion in Zimbabwe, Elton
Mangoma, and the Premier of Limpopo, Cassel Mathale, will address the
forum.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Business Forum. RSVPs should
be directed to Bongani Lukhele on telephone: 078 526 8572, or via e-mail:
BLukhele@thedti.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Lillian Mofokeng
Chief Director: Communication and Marketing, the dti
Tel: 012 394 1775
Cell: 082 888 8362
E-mail: LMofokeng@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
8 April 2009
