Malawi, South Africa strengthen trade relations
Governments of Malawi and South Africa have said they seek to strengthen trade relations between the two, during a business forum which took place between Thursday and Friday.
Speaking during the opening of the South Africa-Malawi business forum on Thursday, Vice-President Saulos Chilima said the forum gave an opportunity to hear the concerns of the South African businesses who have invested in Malawi.
During the forum which was sponsored by Standard Bank, Chilima said where possible, the government would try to answer certain questions they have but would also have the opportunity to discuss with Malawi businesses that source their goods and services from South Africa.
“Basing on the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries, we hope to deepen and strengthen them to the mutual benefit of our people. Trade is about profit, but more importantly it is about job creation, work opportunities and employment,” said Chilima.
Chilima added that much of the goods that are imported into Malawi from South Africa and the region are transported by road into Malawi and therefore it makes sense for South Africa and Malawi to collectively address and discuss some of the challenges that transporters face at the borders.
Speaking during the opening of the forum, South African High Commissioner, Cassandra Mbuyane-Mokone noted that in recognition of their own achievements they have sought not to simply celebrate but rather to create a platform and foundation for deeper engagement with and between the high commissioners stakeholders.
“We have brought government and a select few of its agencies as well as the South African and Malawi private sector together to hold discussions around exiting initiatives but also to pursue new ones,” said Mbuyane-Mokone.
Speaking at the end of the forum on Friday, Standard Bank chief executive officer Andrew Mashanda hailed the forum pointing out that it was fruitful.
He pointed out that the private sector was pleased with the forum because its vision has been achieved which will see the a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malawi and South Africa later this year aimed at facilitating trade between the two partners.
According to Mashanda, the MoU would focus on industry, trade and technical cooperation to increase trade between South Africa and Malawi.
