President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Harare on the invitation of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Ramaphosa, who touched down on Friday, is attending the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Present because the Visitor of Honour and interesting in a working go to to strengthen bilateral ties.
The agricultural present, hosted yearly by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society, is celebrating its a hundred and thirtieth anniversary. This yr, underneath the theme “Constructing Bridging: Connecting Agriculture, Business and Commerce”.
In 2024, the occasion drew 570 exhibitors, together with 13 worldwide members, and attracted round 230 000 guests.
Ramaphosa strengthening financial relations
Ramaphosa’s go to additionally goals to bolster financial cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Commerce between the 2 international locations continues to develop, with South African exports to Zimbabwe valued at R69.2 billion in 2024, up from R57.5 billion in 2023.
Greens had been the main export class, contributing R11.9 billion to the whole.
Imports from Zimbabwe to South Africa elevated from R4.4 billion in 2023 to R5.4 billion in 2024.
Greater than 120 South African firms at present function in Zimbabwe throughout sectors equivalent to mining, aviation, banking, property, retail, development, tourism, and quick meals.
Historic significance
The present has an extended custom of attracting regional leaders.
Former President Nelson Mandela attended the occasion because the Visitor of Honour in August 1994.
Highlighting its position as a platform for agricultural and financial change inside the Southern African Improvement Neighborhood (SADC).
Ramaphosa is accompanied by Deputy Minister of Worldwide Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes and senior authorities officers.
His go to is anticipated to assist efforts to advertise intra-regional commerce, deepen financial integration in SADC, and construct on the cordial relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Does Ramaphosa’s journey to Zimbabwe align with South Africa’s priorities?
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