South Africa and Zimbabwe need to work together to pursue national interests
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina says South Africa and Zimbabwe need to work together in pursuance of national interests particularly with the aim of increasing trade and growing the economies of the two countries. Masina was speaking at a gala dinner hosted by the Ministry of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion in Harare last night. The dinner was part of the Investment and Trade Initiative to Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).
“The development of South Africa is intrinsically linked with that of other countries in the Southern Africa region and the rest of Africa. As neighbours is it incumbent upon us to work together closely in ensuring that we increase trade between our countries and achieve economic growth. The role of business in this mission can never be over-emphasised. As government our main task is to create a conducive environment for business to operate smoothly when doing business,” said Masina.
He added that bilateral economic and political relations between SA and Zimbabwe have been strengthened by the signing of the Bi-National Commission Agreement in April last year. This he said, opened doors for even broader, more intense and high-level cooperation between the countries.
“That is why we are here with a group of businesspeople. We want them to engage with their counterparts here in Zimbabwe and exchange ideas that will result in them establishing partnerships and joint-ventures and start manufacturing operations,” said Masina.
Masina emphasised the value of pursuing industrialisation, and the beneficiation of mineral resources throughout Africa in order to grow the economies of the continent, saying the continent was awash with mineral resources from which they will not derive much value if they are not beneficiating them.
Masina also said there was a need for Zimbabwe and SA to contribute to efforts aimed at achieving regional integration in the continent. He cited the tripartite free trade area comprising Southern African Development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the East African community as an example.
“The importance of the free trade area is that it will provide a market of 600 million people for our goods and services. This will expand to one billion when the continental free trade area that is being negotiated by our leadership is achieved,” said Masina.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
