Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) will on Friday host a South Africa–Zimbabwe Business Forum in Midrand where both Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa are set to address business and government leaders.
The forum will be held on the sidelines of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
In a media statement on Monday, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, said the Forum is part of the official BNC programme and aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment by creating direct dialogue between government and the private sector.
“The Business Forum provides an important platform for government and the private sector to engage on practical measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade, facilitating investment and fostering industrial cooperation that delivers mutual benefit to both countries,” said Minister Tau.
He said discussions will focus on expanding bilateral trade, facilitating investment, strengthening industrial cooperation, and building sustainable commercial partnerships.
The minister said delegates will also look at practical barriers, including trade facilitation, transport and logistics, and ways to deepen regional value chains.
“Key areas on the agenda include transport and logistics connectivity, regional value-chain development, cooperation between industrial and special economic zones, manufacturing, technology transfer and capital equipment,” said Minister Tau.
He said the forum reflects both governments’ commitment to advancing regional integration and industrialisation under the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Southern African Development Community [SADC] agenda and the AfCFTA.
“South Africa and Zimbabwe enjoy long-standing economic and commercial relations that continue to contribute to regional growth and development,” said the minister.
Minister Tau added that stronger partnerships between businesses in both countries would help build more resilient regional value chains.
“The DTIC remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance intra-African trade, promote value-added production and improve the competitiveness of our industries,” he said. “Through engagements such as this Business Forum, we seek to create new commercial opportunities that support inclusive economic growth, industrial development and sustainable job creation across the region.”
The minister said the forum is intended to translate political commitments made by the two Heads of State into practical business deals that will boost trade, investment and shared prosperity.
