Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will later this morning host his Mozambican counterpart Armando Emilio Guebuza to discuss the consolidation of economic relations between the two countries.
Trade imbalances and investment relations between South Africa and Mozambique will come under scrutiny when the two leaders co-chair a Heads of State Economic Bilateral Forum in Pretoria.
During the discussions, the Presidents will delve into on how cooperation will be further strengthened, especially in the areas of agriculture, health, tourism, trade and investment, water and environment and energy.
A Heads of State Economic Bilateral Forum between South Africa and Mozambique was created in 1997 and meetings are held quarterly to ascertain progress in the implementation of milestone regional projects that they have undertaken.
South Africa is the largest investor in Mozambique. In 2009 total exports by South Africa to Mozambique were valued at over R13 billion while South Africa imported goods from Mozambique to the value of over R3 billion.
Mozambique imports to South Africa include nickel ores and cotton among others. South African exports consist of manufactured goods, petroleum, motor vehicles and a variety of consumer goods.
