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Zuma in vital trade talks

South African President Jacob Zuma met with Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga to discuss issues of bilateral mutual interest and strengthening of political and trade relations between the two countries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 06/05/2010.
South African President Jacob Zuma met with Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga to discuss issues of bilateral mutual interest and strengthening of political and trade relations between the two countries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 06/05/2010.

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma met World Trade Organisation director-general Pascal Lamy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Africa in Tanzania yesterday, the Presidency said.

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma met World Trade Organisation director-general Pascal Lamy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Africa in Tanzania yesterday, the Presidency said.

The meeting, one of a number of bilaterals that Zuma held yesterday, "discussed how to strengthen the multilateral trade system, both in regard to the finalisation of the Doha Development Round of negotiations, and the challenges of regional integration in Africa".

Zuma also met Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthening of trade relations between Kenya and South Africa.

Eleven African heads of state are attending the 20th WEF Forum on Africa in Dar es Salaam to discuss strategies in the aftermath of the economic downturn.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe made a surprise showing at Africa's biggest business meeting yesterday to appeal for investment - alongside other members of the fractious coalition government.

Mugabe dismissed investor worries over the new ownership laws which are designed to ensure that black Zimbabweans hold a stake of at least 51percent in all companies - and which have strained the unity government.

"People have said it will drive away investment.

"We say it won't, " he said.

The Zimbabwe president took the stage at the forum with prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, an old rival who joined him in a unity government last year, and Arthur Mutambara, the third member of the coalition.

Zimbabwe's economy grew last year for the first time in a decade.

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