Zimbabwean exports to Botswana exceeded US$22.3 in the first 10 months of 2023, according to Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Fredrick Shava as the two countries intensify their relations.
The two countries held the 4th Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maun, last week.
Shava said most products exported into Botswana include sugar products, wood and wood products, charcoal, articles of steel, ceramic products and pharmaceutical products. The Zimbabwean minister expressed hope that trade between the two countries will increase through business engagements such as trade forums and the BNC. Shava did not explain whether the increased or declined when compared to the same period in 2022.
BNC is a framework for cooperation which elevates the two existing bilateral co-operation frameworks, namely the Joint Permanent Commission on Co-operation (JPCC) and the Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation on Defence and Security (JPCDS), from Ministerial level to Head of State level.
With the economic hardships that are exacerbated by the global geo-political tensions, deliberate efforts to strengthen relations as neighbouring countries should never be taken lightly, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela told the same event.
Instead, nations across the globe, especially those sharing borders, should cement and affirm the cordial relations that have existed between them to foster trade and good neighborliness, he said.
“We are seeing nations rising against one another, notably the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine as well as the rising political tensions between China and Taiwan,” said Kgafela during the Botswana-Zimbabwe Business forum in Maun in the northwestern part of Botswana.
What is notable about all these is that these are mainly neighbouring countries, said Kgafela. Due to the strong foundations that have been laid by the two nations’ forefathers, Kgafela said Botswana and Zimbabwe continue to enjoy cordial relations.
Such strong ties have paved way for the two neighboring southern African countries to enjoy the Bilateral Trade Agreement that they have today, he said.
According to Kgafela, this agreement allows for goods and services traded between the two countries to be exempted from customs duties, provided they meet the minimum requirement of 25 percent local content.
