One-Stop-Border-Post at Beitbridge-Musina

PRESIDENT Mugabe and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma yesterday launched the Bi-National Commission, a high level forum of co-operation, which the two leaders say will foster economic development and uplift the livelihoods of people in their respective countries.

Among the immediate key targets of the Commission is the establishment of a One-Stop-Border-Post at Beitbridge-Musina.

The development is expected to promote trade through efficient clearance procedures.

In his remarks, President Mugabe said there was a need to implement outstanding agreements out of the 38 signed since 1995.

"I would like the BNC, as the successor to the Joint Commission to attend to these items of unfinished business as a matter of urgency," he said.

"A major priority among these is to ensure the optimal operation of the Beitbridge border through the establishment of a One-Stop-Border-Post at this key bilateral and regional transit point.

"While in 2009 we agreed to establish a One-Stop-Border-Post at Beitbridge, to date this important agreement is still gathering dust on the shelves.

This session must agree on a roadmap for the implementation of that decision."

President Mugabe said business investments for South Africans were safe in Zimbabwe.

President Zuma immediately left for South Africa after a luncheon hosted in his honour by President Mugabe.