Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE and Botswana’s national trade promotion agencies on Friday outlined a wide range of trade and investment opportunities that the two countries can leverage to deepen economic cooperation.
The opportunities span key sectors including tourism, mining, manufacturing, horticulture and livestock.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe-Botswana Business Forum in Bulawayo, held on the sidelines of the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), officials said the neighbouring countries have significant untapped potential to expand bilateral trade.
The forum is one of the flagship economic platforms at this year’s ZITF, bringing together policymakers, business leaders and investors from both countries.
ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru cast a spotlight on strong but underutilised trade prospects, stressing the complementary nature of the two economies.
He said Zimbabwe’s diversified manufacturing base, strong agricultural capacity and growing value-addition industries position it well to increase exports into Botswana.
Mr Majuru noted that Botswana’s demand for quality goods and services presents a ready market for Zimbabwean businesses.
He identified several high-potential sectors for enhanced trade, including processed foods, building and construction materials, horticulture, leather products, cosmetics, manufactured goods and services.
On the other hand, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief executive officer Mr Keletsositse Olebile outlined numerous opportunities to deepen trade and investment flows between the two countries.
Mr Olebile emphasised Botswana’s competitive advantages in supporting regional trade and investment, pointing to sectors where the country has established global competitiveness.
These include diamond mining and beneficiation, livestock production and a rapidly growing eco-tourism industry.
The engagements come as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties and unlock new growth opportunities through increased regional integration and collaboration.
