SA minister leads Zim trade mission

SA Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Mzwandile Masina

“The delegation consists of companies operating in the agriculture and agro-processing, built environment professionals, oil and gas, mining and capital equipment, and electro technical sectors,” the trade and industry department (dti) said in a statement on Saturday.

Companies on the mission had received assistance from the dti through its export marketing and investment assistance (EMIA) scheme. One of the objectives of the scheme was to increase export market access for South African products and services.

Masina’s mission was part of the dti’s efforts to cement economic relations and increase trade and investment between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“The mission to Zimbabwe will enable the South African companies to identify trade and investment opportunities in the country and to interact with Zimbabwean business people and consider ways in which co-operation, partnerships, and joint-ventures could be established in order to explore these opportunities,” Masina said in the statement.

According to Zimbabwe’s trade attaché to South Africa Angelica Katuruza “there are unlimited trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe that South African companies can take advantage of”.

“South African companies are welcome to explore the myriad opportunities that are available for both trade and investment in Zimbabwe,” she said in the dti statement.

“SA companies can export manufactured products to Zimbabwe ranging from foodstuff and various machinery to clothing and textile. In terms of investment, we have a number of companies that would welcome foreign capital injection from SA companies. SA companies that are willing to expand their operations to Zimbabwe are always welcome to do so.

“There are also opportunities for SA companies to invest in Zimbabwean companies or start new companies or joint-ventures mainly in areas such as consultancy services, manufacturing, and agriculture,” said Katuruza.