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Johannesburg - South African companies investing in Zimbabwe can have access to the bigger and more lucrative market comprising the 21 members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), emphasised Zimbabwe’s trade attaché to SA, Angelica Katuruza.
This could be especially fruitful in the manufacturing industry, in her view.
Katuruza commented ahead of 30-member business delegation from SA heading to Zimbabwe on Sunday. The investment and trade mission is headed by Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina and it will visit Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo.
The SA 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.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), companies on the mission received assistance through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (Emia) scheme. One of the objectives of the scheme is to increase export market access for South African products and services.
According to Masina, the mission is part of the dti’s efforts to cement economic relations and increase trade and investment between SA 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 businesspeople and consider ways in which cooperation, partnerships and joint-ventures could be established in order to explore these opportunities,” said Masina.
Masina’s programme will include addressing business forums, site visits to various Zimbabwean companies and bilateral meetings with the country’s government leaders.
Katuruza said 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. 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," she said.
"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.”
