Make use of Bippa, businesses urged

both Zimbabwean and Batswana businesses to make use of the recently signed Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the two countries to maximise trade between the two countries.
The minister said by signing the Bippa as governments they were laying a fertile foundation for business to thrive.
“Essentially business starts where Government ends, as Government we have unlocked the opportunities for you,” he said while addressing Zimbabwe and Botswana business people during a dinner hosted by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries for the visiting Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower members.
Minister Mashakada called on the two countries’ business people to devise a review mechanism to gauge the success of Bippa soon.
“What I am trying to say is that you have to come up with an institutionalised review system for the Bippa which will show success in various areas,” he said.
The minister called for a fair and equitable distribution of the US$76 million credit
facility that was unlocked by the signing of the Bippa.
Speaking at the same occasion, CZI president Mr Joseph Kanyekanye hailed the excellent relations that exist between the two countries.
As business people they were ready to assist their Botswana counterparts in the diversification of their economy.
“As Zimbabwean we have the skills and markets and we have been doing it for sometime now,” he said.
Mr Kanyekanye also paid tribute to the two Ministers for their commitment during the negotiations that occurred right through to the signing of the Bippa.
BOCCIM vice president Mr Thuli Johnson called for closer ties between the two countries and urged for local businesses to assist them in their diversification.
He said that the signing of the Bippa was in keeping with the goals of Sadc to build one economic bloc.
Mr Johnson urged the two Governments to do more to facilitate business growth.
“As Governments we hope you will continue to work together to create an enabling environment for business,” he said.
The Botswana business delegation yesterday held one-on-one business meeting with local business people to foster synergies and partnerships.