The group made the announcement after a one-day fact-finding trip to
Harare, where its delegation met President Robert Mugabe and ministers
in the country’s two-month-old unity government.
Busa chief executive Jerry Vilakazi said the economic and political
climate had improved and the time was ripe for South African companies
to focus on growing trade between the two neighbours.
"The delegation came away with a clear sense of commitment to political
stability from all parties involved in the inclusive government. It was
a well-timed chance to expose some key South African companies to the
opportunities in Zimbabwe," Vilakazi said.
He said a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with
Harare was in the pipeline, adding that it would "provide some peace of
mind for South African investors".
Vilakazi said Busa and the Zimbabwean cabinet members identified key
areas that needed attention for an economic recovery to happen, notably
energy and agriculture.
"Ensuring a sufficient and stable energy supply is also critical and
increased investment into coal mining was highlighted as a priority.
"Agriculture was another sector that was specifically identified as
being fundamental and of interest for the South African private sector."
The group did not give a date for the investment conference. It said
efforts would be made to draw attention to the most vital sectors and
to explore private-public partnerships.
News24/SAPA
Post published in: News