Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ZIMBABWE/SOUTH AFRICA TRADE TALKS HELD IN HARARE ON 27/11/96
As a follow up to the discussions held at the Victoria Falls meeting on 10 June 1996 regarding the Zimbabwe/South Africa Trade Agreement negotiations, a meeting of the Joint Technical Working Group on Other Products was held in Harare on 27 November 1996.
Discussions focused on the proposals tabled by Zimbabwe for improved market access for its exports to South Africa. The meeting limited itself to discussion of those products already listed in the 1964 Trade Agreement. It was observed that preferential market access to South Africa for products outside the 1964 Trade Agreement are to be addressed through other arrangements such as the SADC Trade Protocol.
The following sub-sectors were discussed during the meeting:-
Views expressed will be taken back to the respective Associations in both countries for ratification. The Associations will exchange detailed information with a view to presenting a formal position to the South African Government. All Associations agreed to make fast progress in their deliberations before the next meeting. The next meeting has been proposed for end of January 1997 to consider South Africa's response to Zimbabwe's proposals.
The meeting was held in a cordial, frank and constructive atmosphere and both sides reiterated their commitment to reach a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION IN HARARE PRETORIA 28 NOVEMBER 1996