Agriculture on the agenda in SA/Tanzania talks

Enhancing co-operation in the fields of mining, trade, energy and agriculture formed the basis of talks between President Jacob Zuma and his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete, who was in South Africa late last month. Issues of co-operation at a regional level, especially within SADC, and other matters affecting the continent were also high on the agenda. South Africa and Tanzania have strong economic links. SA is the third largest exporter to Tanzania, with a market share of 9.63%, according to BuaNews. However, the trade balance between the two countries shows South Africa’s exports to Tanzania went from R3.5 billion in 2009 to R3.1 billion in 2010. On the other hand, the picture shows imports from Tanzania growing by almost 100% from R236 million in 2009 to R464 million in 2010. South African exports to Tanzania consist predominantly of manufactured goods while imports from Tanzania are mainly gold, coffee, cashew nuts and cotton.