ANNA COX A PERMANENT trade negotiating forum is on the books for South Africa. The Department of Trade and Industry said this forum would co-ordinate the establishment of free trade agreements and would involve business and labour. South Africa is currently at various stages of bi- and multi-lateral trade agreements with various international countries. The permanent trade forum will become a place where government departments, the private sector, unions and other stakeholders can participate. The directors-general of several departments have already worked out the details and are ready to present them to Cabinet for approval.
