Zimbabwe, SAfrica sign deal to boost investment

updated 8:01 a.m. ET Nov. 27, 2009

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe has signed a trade deal with neighboring South Africa to help kick-start Zimbabwe's collapsed economy.

The agreement signed Friday is aimed at unlocking millions of dollars worth of investment by companies in South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse.

South African business and agricultural groups have expressed concern about the security of any investments made.

A number of white South African farmers lost their land under President Robert Mugabe's land reform program, which many blame for the country's economic collapse.

However, South African Trade and Investment minister Rob Davies said investments will be protected by international law.

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