Londile Moyo
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
BOTSWANA is leveraging the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade with Zimbabwe, as a high-level business delegation showcases products and explores partnership opportunities.
A Botswana delegation exhibiting at the annual showcase says it is seeking to take advantage of existing trade arrangements to boost commerce and deepen economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The delegation, made up of about 18 companies, has already attracted significant interest from local businesses and consumers since the start of the exhibition, reflecting growing appetite for cross-border trade opportunities.
In an interview with Zimpapers Business Hub, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre Executive Director for Export Development and Promotion, Temo Donald Ntapu, said the delegation was optimistic about generating strong demand and meaningful sales during the trade showcase.
“We have basically brought about 18 companies from Botswana and since yesterday when the show started we have received quite a lot of inquiries from different people that want to partner, someone to buy the product, to stock up in their shelves,” said Mr Ntapu.
He said Zimbabwe remains one of Botswana’s most important trading partners, citing the strong economic and cultural ties shared by the two countries.
“So, as you are aware, Zimbabwe is one of our biggest trading partners, as our neighbour, we share quite a lot in terms of cultural similarities.
We have the Zimbabwe-Botswana bilateral trade arrangement and this allows our companies to trade,” he said.
Mr Ntapu said the bilateral trade agreement provides preferential market access, creating opportunities for businesses on both sides of the border.
“That agreement helps the Botswana product to come into Zimbabwe at preferential trade and it also helps Zimbabwean companies that want to do business in Botswana to send their product there.
“So we have a mutually beneficial arrangement which we want to utilise to increase the trade between our countries,” he said.
He added that the anticipated visit by Botswana President Duma Boko, who is set to officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Thursday in Bulawayo, is expected to further strengthen relations between the two nations.
“So, we will be here, as you are aware, our president, Advocate Boko will be officially opening the show.
“We look forward to that moment and we believe that we will better strengthen the relationship between our countries.”
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair continues to serve as a strategic platform for promoting regional trade, industrial cooperation and stronger economic integration among countries in the region.
Online Reporter