Johannesburg - South African Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies wants Zimbabwe to reverse a decision to ban imports of goods from the continent’s most-industrialised economy.
“The minister is engaging through SADC structures and in his capacity with his counterparts,” Sidwell Medupe, a spokesman for the department, said by phone on Monday, referring to the Southern African Development Community.
“Engagements are still at an early stage. We hope that an amicable solution will be found.”
In June, Zimbabwe announced a ban on imports of many goods, saying the steps are needed to develop local industries. Products banned include cosmetics, cereals, cheese, canned goods and furniture.
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South Africa is one of the biggest investors in Zimbabwe and companies including Impala Platinum Holdings and Nedbank Group own units there.
South Africa’s exports to Zimbabwe amounted to R24.8 billion ($1.7 billion) in 2014, while imports stood at R2 billion, President Jacob Zuma’s office said in a statement last year.
BLOOMBERG