Progress made on the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (Bippa) between South Africa and Zimbabwe

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 455

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 9 OF 14 MARCH 2008

Mr A J Leon (DA) to ask the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Whether, in view of the Government’s failure to sign the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (Bippa) and the recent decision by President Mugabe to seize foreign-owned assets in Zimbabwe, including those owned by South African nationals, companies and corporations, the conclusion of Bippa is receiving urgent attention from the Government; if not, why not; if so, what progress has been made towards concluding this agreement? NW1093E

1. Yes. The Zimbabweans have not given us dates for the signing of the Agreement.

2. Notwithstanding the above, please be assured that the South African Government and its Embassy in Harare continue to intervene when necessary to protect the property rights of the South African citizens as well as the South African companies operating in Zimbabwe.

UNQUOTE.