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Johannesburg - South Africa has stepped up efforts to boost trade, economic integration and co-operation in Africa, Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe said on Thursday.
"Intra-Africa trade and economic integration and co-operation are receiving a significant amount of attention lately," she said, according to a copy of a speech delivered in Zimbabwe.
Thabethe was speaking at a business seminar in Bulawayo as part of an investment and trade initiative.
"The broadening of economic space through larger consumer markets gives developing countries... the opportunity to develop economies of scale, increase their competitiveness and become global competitors."
The South African government had adopted a bilateral strategy for economic engagement with Zimbabwe, in line with the partnership strategy adopted for Africa, Thabethe added.
"The main objective of the strategy is to achieve mutual economic growth and development through outward investment facilitation, infrastructure development and trade liberalisation.
"It is our firm belief that regional economic integration is a critical element in deriving optimal benefit from our deepening partnerships."
She said the country would develop partnerships with regional governments to free up the continent's latent economic potential.
