adminits annual Global Expo Botswana 2011 to be held in Gaborone later this month.
The expo to be held under the theme “Promoting Economic Diversification and Partnership” will run from November 23 to 26. Global Expo Botswana is an annual event organised by Bedia on behalf of the
Ministry of Trade and Industry of Botswana. The aim of the expo is to promote trade in both exports and imports and to promote joint venture partnerships.
“Zimbabwe has been invited to participate at the Global Expo Botswana 2011 and we are encouraging local business organisations to participate,” said a Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce official.
Last month the Parliament approved the ratification of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries, a development with the effect of expediting the release of the US$70 million credit facility promised by the Botswana government.
Meanwhile, a business delegation from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers is expected in the country today for a trade exploratory mission.
The mission is being organised by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries in conjunction with KAM.
CZI will be hosting a business delegation from KAM lead by their Minister of Trade Honourable Chirau Ali Mwakwere. The trade mission will begin with a half-day business seminar on today, which will be followed by two days of meetings, and company tours.
According to CZI deputy chief executive officer Mrs Lorraine Chikanya, the Kenyan delegation will consist of representation from paper and paperboard printing, motor vehicle and assembly (spares, tyre and tyre-related manufacturing), agro-processing, printing and packaging, footwear manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, textiles and apparel.
Trade between Zimbabwe and Kenya is still limited, with Zimbabwe’s external trade largely focused on countries in the Southern Africa Development Community region and the meetings are expected to help boost the two countries’ economic ties.
Members of the visiting delegation are also expected to engage their Zimbabwean counterparts during business to business meetings across the range of sectors.
A recent survey by CZI shows that Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector’s capacity utilisation has increased to 57,2 percent. Although the growth in the productivity levels is largely attributable to stable economic conditions, the sector is still facing huge financing challenges.
The visit by KAM could help assist local manufacturers get equity partnership deals.
Online Reporter