TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH Africa has raised concern at the range of trade restrictive measures Zimbabwe has introduced, saying these negatively affected the former’s companies.

“The adverse impact on South African exporters cannot be underestimated and the DTI continues to be responsive to affected exporters and to make representations to the government of Zimbabwe,” Sidwell Medupe, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Spokesperson, said.

He however noted, “The position of the government of Zimbabwe is that these trade restrictions are necessary to support the development of local industries and to relieve the pressure of economic sanctions, which have led to balance of payments challenges.”

It has emerged South African Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, has been engaging the Zimbabwean government bilaterally and through the SADC structures to find an amicable solution.

Medupe said this was in accordance with Zimbabwe’s obligations of the SADC Protocol on Trade, while at the same time, Sout Africa was being “sensitive” to Zimbabwe’s industrial development and balance of payments challenges.

Zimbabwe recently imposed restrictions in products as cosmetics, cereals, coffee creamer, mayonnaise, cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, second hand tyres, iron and steel products, furniture and woven cotton fabrics.

Most products are not readily available in Zimbabwe after years of closure of idustries.

The decision by the administration of President Robert Mugabe has been a source of discontent among Zimbabweans, sparking protests in the border town of Beitbridge.

The troubled country came to a standstill last week as the public protested against the worsening economic crisis and civil servants stayed away from work in defiance of non-payment.

– Guardian