Published: 02 October 2017

The second session of the South Africa- Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) opens next week in the neighbouring country to review progress on bilateral commitments made last year.

In a statement, the South African presidency said the BNC session to be co-chaired by President Jacob Zuma and President Robert Mugabe affords an opportunity for both Heads of State to review the state of the bilateral relationship.

"President Jacob Zuma will on Tuesday 3 October 2017, host the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Robert Mugabe, during his official visit to South Africa to attend the second  session of the South Africa- Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC)  scheduled to take place in Pretoria," said the South African presidency.

Zimbabwe and South Africa last year established a Bi-National Commission (BNC), which upgraded the level of interaction between the two countries from Ministerial under the previous Joint Commission to  Head of State level.

Under the platform, the countries will meet on an annual basis to review progress in implementing various agreements.

"President Zuma and President Mugabe are also expected to deliberate and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern,  particularly peace, security, stability and development in the SADC  region and some parts of the continent," said the South African presidency.

Zimbabwe and South Africa have signed more than 40 Memoranda of  Understanding and agreements, which cover, among others, trade and investment, immigration, defence, transport, agriculture, environment,  energy, health, labour, taxation as well as arts and culture.

Trade between the two is skewed in favour of South Africa and because of this, some have referred to Zimbabwe as  South Africa's supermarket primarily because of goods produced in the neighbouring country dominate the shelves of local supermarkets.

Over 60 percent of goods sold in local shops are imported, the bulk  from South Africa, according to study carried out by the Confederation  of Zimbabwe Industries

- New Ziana

You might also want to read this

• Zimra's new tax on kombis, taxis ignites anger
• 'Zimsec exams won't leak'
• Chin'ono clarifies stance on Chamisa
• Zimbabwe red-flags worthless foreign qualifications
• Director faces court over US$80 000 Zimra fraud
• 2 people show up for Zimsec bill hearing
• Ramaphosa lauds Zimbabwe's agricultural transformation
• US moves Zimbabwean visa applications to Johannesburg
• Ramaphosa expected in Zimbabwe
• Multiple ZIMRA checks on Beitbridge - Harare roads excessive