SOUTH AFRICAN companies are ready to invest and create business partnerships with Zimbabweans and help do away with the credit crunch that is hindering economic growth in Africa.

Around 40 South African companies are currently in Zimbabwe to seek trade and investment opportunities. So far they said Zimbabwe has great potential and they are keen to do business here.

SA’s Mega Phase Road and Marking Traffic Company said they were ready to engage the country on the renewal of road markings that are not clear and the signs that are now old.

Said the company’s spokesperson, Ms Zama Dube: “We see great opportunities and we are quite impressed with the Zimbabwean economy.”

Mr Thamsaqa Ndlovhu, the managing director of Ecofiregell (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, said he looks forward to start retail and wholesale business in Zimbabwe, especially as the economy diversified.

Fire and Emergencies Vehicles (Pty) Ltd managing director Mr Desmond Moloto said he sees long-term investment where their company will open satellite offices and workshops that will do service and maintenance.

He said the Zimbabwe economy was slowly picking up and his company’s expansion plans into the country were already in progress.

The South Africans are determined to invest in Zimbabwe and help boost the economy.

Speaking at the SA-Zimbabwe investment and trade initiative, South Africa’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe. Mr Vusi Mavimbela, said his country was ready to invest in Zimbabwe and strengthen trade relations, adding that the indigenisation programme was not an issue.

He explained that SA was one of the biggest investors in Zimbabwe with investments exceeding US$682 million and the two countries had good trade relations even though they were lopsided in favour of South Africa.

Source : allafrica.com