The 2007 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Climate Survey has put crime, theft and corruption on top of the list of stifling blocks to more regional trade and investment, reported the Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCCI) on Friday.
The full survey is due to be released at ASCCI’s AGM on Monday, an event which will feature the honouring of former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.
A Zimbabwean business delegation will also be present, as will South African President Thabo Mbeki and Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa.
“Customs regulations and bureaucracy also suffocate free trade and economic development in the region,” noted ASCCI.
The Business Climate Survey has been released annually by ASCCI since its inception in 2004. — I-Net Bridge