A South African Business Forum of Zimbabwe that seeks to address challenges faced by companies operating in the country has been established. It is expected the forum will also spearhead efforts to unlock investment opportunities.
Speaking at the event yesterday, South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Vusi Mavimbela said there was need to establish the forum to enhance business investment.
This is a brainchild of people who have been consulting on different aspects of business to make us realise there is need to establish this kind of a forum, Mavimbela said.
I find it strange there was no formal business partnership between South African businesses and businesses in Zimbabwe yet South Africa has huge investments in Zimbabwe.
He said there was great investment potential in Zimbabwe.
Mavimbela invited South African companies in Zimbabwe to participate at the forthcoming Gauteng road show in order to learn more about the country. South Africa is a platform to get into many countries outside Zimbabwe as many countries, even companies on the London Stock Exchange, have headquarters in South Africa, he said.
The South African embassy nominated six Zimbabwean companies to spearhead the forum.
According to figures from the embassy, in 2009 Zimbabwe imports were $3,5 billion. At least $2,1 billion came from the neighbouring country.
