A DELEGATION of eight Zimbabwean companies drawn from different sectors of the economy will embark on a trade mission to Botswana this week in a bid to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The mission, set to run from November 13 to 16, was organised by the country's export development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, in collaboration with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC).
The delegation will visit Gaborone, Botswana's capital city and Francistown, a major commercial hub, to engage with potential suppliers, distributors and retailers in a push to grow exports.
By forging new partnerships and exploring market opportunities, Zimbabwean businesses hope to increase their export volumes to Botswana.
Jacqueline Nyathi, the ZimTrade southern region manager, expressed optimism about the future of bilateral trade between the two nations.
She said the strong foundation laid through the memorandum of understanding signed between ZimTrade and BITC, facilitated increased collaboration and information sharing.
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“By participating in trade fairs and exhibitions, Botswana has demonstrated its commitment to expanding its trade relations with Zimbabwe” Nyathi said.
“This mutual interest in fostering economic cooperation creates a favourable environment for businesses on both sides of the border.”
This outward mission aims to actively marry local businesses with Botswana's business community and unlock new opportunities for Zimbabwean exporters, according to ZimTrade.
By leveraging the benefits of regional integration and building strong business relationships, the two countries can unlock their full economic potential, experts say.
This initiative, ZimTrade noted, aligns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's agenda to increase regional integration and maximise on strategic markets, such as Botswana.
Outside of its proximity to Zimbabwe both countries share favourable trade agreements including a bilateral trade agreement, the Southern African Development Community Trade Protocol and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
These agreements offer reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods, making it more cost-effective for Zimbabwean exporters to penetrate the Botswana market.
ZimTrade said successful activities like business forum held in Maun, Botswana, in February 2024, as well as Botswana's participation in Zimbabwean trade events like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the Zimbabwe Export Week show a positive commitment by both countries to grow trade.