S. Africa, Tanzania agree to lessen barriers for regional economic integration

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Friday his country and Tanzania have agreed to lessen barriers to ensure strong regional economic integration that will help address triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Africa need to soften barriers and boarders to ensure free and improved movement of people and goods, Zuma said.

This is key for an inclusive economic growth in the continent and to ensure full implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, Zuma said upon return from a two-day state visit to Tanzania, during which he held talks with his Tanzanian counterpart John Pomba Magufuli in Dar Se Salaam.

Zuma characterized the visit as "a remarkable success" as the two Heads of State discussed and agreed on a various issues of mutual concern.

On regional matters, the two Heads of State agreed that Africans states need to work together to ensure peace and security in the region.

"It was an important visit for South Africa as our aim was to review and strengthen the existing strong bilateral and economic relations between the two countries since there has been a new administration in Tanzania," Zuma said.

Both leaders discussed and agreed on various issues, particularly economic cooperation including private sector investments, infrastructure development, agro-processing, beneficiation as well as trade and investment, according to Zuma.

During the visit, South Africa and Tanzania signed two critical memoranda of understanding on cooperation in field of biodiversity conservation and management as well as on cooperation in transport related matters.

The two sides have agreed to conduct regular consultations including annual mid-term review meeting that will ensure that the two countries monitor and evaluate the implementation of these agreements in a quest to force closer cooperation, Zuma said.

South Africa and Tanzania enjoy excellent bilateral relations which date back to the days of the liberation struggle and were formalised by the two governments in 1994. Endit