BOTSWANA is using the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to strengthen bilateral relations and grow trade with Zimbabwe, as a high-level business delegation showcases products and engages prospective partners.
A Botswana business delegation participating at the annual exhibition says it is seeking to take advantage of existing trade arrangements to boost commercial activity and deepen economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The delegation, made up of about 18 companies, has already generated significant interest from Zimbabwean businesses and consumers since the exhibition opened.
In an interview with Zimpapers Business Hub, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre Executive Director for Export Development and Promotion, Mr Temo Donald Ntapu, said the delegation was encouraged by early indications of demand and potential partnerships.Zimpapers Media Kit
“We have basically brought about 18 companies from Botswana, and since yesterday (Monday) when the show started, we have received quite a lot of inquiries from different people that want to partner, someone to buy the product, to stock up on their shelves,” said Mr Ntapu.
Zimbabwe remains one of Botswana’s key trading partners, with geographical proximity and shared cultural ties continuing to play an important role in facilitating business integration between the two countries.
Mr Ntapu said the exhibition theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” aptly reflects the existing trade relationship between Zimbabwe and Botswana.Zimbabwe Business Directory
“So, as you are aware, Zimbabwe is one of our biggest trading partners. As our neighbour, we share quite a lot in terms of cultural similarities. We have the Zimbabwe-Botswana bilateral trade arrangement, and this gives an opportunity for our companies to trade,” he said.
The bilateral agreement allows for preferential trading conditions, enabling Botswana products to access the Zimbabwean market on favourable terms, while also creating opportunities for Zimbabwean firms to enter Botswana.
“That agreement helps the Botswana product to come into Zimbabwe at preferential trade, and it also helps Zimbabwean companies that want to do business in Botswana to send their product there.”
Mr Ntapu said the framework offers mutual benefits and is a critical tool that both countries are keen to leverage in order to grow trade volumes and unlock new economic opportunities.
“So we have a mutually beneficial arrangement, which we want to utilise to increase the trade between our countries,” he said.
The Botswana delegation also expressed optimism that high-level engagements at this year’s ZITF would further consolidate bilateral relations, especially with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko expected to officially open the exhibition on Thursday.
“So, we will be here. As you are aware, our president, Advocate Boko, will be officially opening the show. We look forward to that moment, and we believe that we will better strengthen the relationship between our countries.”
ZITF continues to position itself as a strategic platform for regional and international exhibitors to showcase products, forge partnerships and expand market reach, in line with this year’s focus on strengthening economic co-operation and industrial competitiveness.
Meanwhile, a first-time exhibitor at the ongoing ZITF, Botala Business Development Head Mr Mohamed Lahari, said the company is recording overwhelming interest in its products, pointing to strong market appetite for environmentally friendly alternatives and construction solutions.
“We are having a good turnout of people and good engagement. The companies that I represent, number one being Botala, is the first of its kind in Southern Africa. We manufacture the alternative to single-use harmful plastic. So, our products are 100% compostable,” said Mr Lahari.
He said the company’s product range has attracted considerable attention at a time when global concern is growing over the environmental impact of plastic waste.
“The range of products that we currently manufacture are your carrier bags, refuse bags, pharmacy bags, perforated vegetable bags and compostable cutlery. As the world is talking the same language about the harmful effects of single-use plastic, Botala, based in Botswana, certified and accredited by TUB Austria, is ready to serve Zimbabwe and the neighbouring countries.”Zimbabwe Business Directory
Mr Lahari said Botala is exhibiting alongside another Botswana-based company, AluPlus, broadening their footprint to include construction-related products.
“The other company that we are here with is AluPlus. It is our own manufacturing of ready-made DIY aluminium windows and doors, specifically for projects, households, direct to construction people or to hardware stores.
“These are the two companies that we are here representing, all manufactured in Botswana and already exporting to other countries, including Zimbabwe.”
ZITF continues to provide a vital platform for regional companies to market products, build networks and explore new opportunities, in line with the broader push for industrial growth and regional integration.-herald
