4. The Commission noted the progress made in strengthening bilateral co-operation in sectors such as trade, investment, finance, health, education, training, women and gender, sport and recreation, mining, tourism, energy, transport, infrastructure development, information communication technology, science and technology, tourism, immigration, defence and security.
They also called for enhanced co-operation in agriculture, food security, housing and SMEs/SMMEs development.
5. The Commission also expressed satisfaction with the excellent co-operation in defence and security and encouraged the respective agencies to continue to collaborate on issues on mutual concern.
6. The two Heads of State noted the growing economic co-operation between the two countries. In this regard, it was agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee by the end of the first quarter of 2017.
7. The Heads of States emphasised the importance of business to business interaction and the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and joint ventures.
8. The two Heads of State discussed the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Trade and the Bilateral Trade Agreement between Zimbabwe and South Africa, including various Statutory Instruments adopted by Zimbabwe related to import control management.
9. The two Heads of State noted that 38 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between the two countries to date. The two Heads of State urged the various departments to implement as a matter of urgency the Agreements and Memoranda already concluded between the two countries. The Heads of State expressed concern over delays in concluding a number of Agreements and Memoranda and directed the relevant Ministries and Departments to conclude negotiations on all outstanding Agreements and Memoranda.
10. The Bi-National Commission highlighted the urgent need for the establishment of a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Beitbridge-Musina as decided by the Joint Permanent Commission at Victoria Falls in 2009. To that end, the Commission decided to finalise the modalities for its establishment by the time of the next Bi-National Commission in 2017.
11. The Commission noted that illegal trade in ivory and other wildlife remains a concern for both countries. The two countries agreed to further collaborate in finding solutions to the illegal wildlife trade challenges including through joint law enforcement operations.
Continued next page
(623 VIEWS)
