SA called to seize investment opportunities in Burundi

International relations

President Jacob Zuma has called on the business sector to seize investment and trade opportunities in Burundi following his first official meeting with Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The President said trade between the two countries have risen steadily from R47,7 million to R52 million in 2013.

“This visit should also enable us to discuss further how to take advantage of the potential that exists to enhance trade and investment.

“The business people from both countries should certainly improve these figures by further exploring opportunities in the two countries,” said President Zuma.

The Burundi President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers, from those responsible for arts and culture to those responsible for international relations.

President Zuma was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashamaite, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana, amongst others.

The President said the meeting led to the signing of an agreement to structure the relationship through the Joint Commission for Cooperation.

He said the two countries had signed cooperation agreements in the fields of agriculture, arts and culture, commerce, education, politics, defence, sports, mining, women empowerment, investment, health, science and technology, communications, public works and finance.

“Our two countries share a rich history of struggle against discrimination and other ills.

“It is only proper that we should cooperate in sharing this history through cultural tourism, museums, the restoration of historic sites, the preservation and conservation of monuments, the study of languages, literature and lecture tours,” President Zuma said.