The Botswana – Zambia Virtual Trade and Investment Promotion Mission which ended on 3rd September 2020 is expected to increase the trade volumes and investment prospects between Zambia and Botswana.
The Trade and Investment Mission organized and hosted by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in collaboration with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), the Botswana High Commision in Zambia and the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry was focused on discussing the trade and investment opportunities available for business enterprises in the two countries.
Speaking during the official opening of the virtual trade mission, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Mwansa Kapeya noted that Zambia has to date, recorded a positive trade balance with Botswana as evidenced by the export volumes rising from $31 million in 2015 to $ 24 million in 2019.
Mr. Kapeya explained that the mission was just the beginning of the many endeavors for both countries to mutually benefit from each other’s comparative advantage.
He cited Zambia’s major exports to Botswana as Copper, Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits adding that through the initiation of mutually beneficial bilateral agreements both countries can harness potential exports such as sugar, cement, honey, dried vegetables and detergents from the Zambian side.
“I therefore encourage local business enterprises to take advantage of this mission to showcase the various avenues for possible business partnerships with their selected Botswana counterparts,” urged Mr. Kapeya.
The High commissioner further encouraged ZDA and BITC to take advantage of the mission to establish a good relationship for future trade and investment missions.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr. Alpheus Matlhaku High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Zambia noted that the need for enhanced intra-African trade cannot be over-emphasized as the continent continues with its efforts to reach high standards of living for its citizens.
Mr. Matlhaku added that Botswana and Zambia enjoy cordial and fraternal relations dating back to the pre-Independence era and formalised at Independence in 1966.
He explained that the relations between the two countries covered a wide span of cultural, political, commercial and economic issues.
“The nearly completed Kazungula Bridge Project and the One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) bear testimony to the deep and cordial relations that our two countries have enjoyed over the years. It is imperative for all of us to ensure that the improved connectivity brought about by the Kazungula Bridge is fully exploited for mutual benefit,” emphasized the High Commissioner.
And speaking during the same event, ZDA acting Director General Mukula Makasa assured the Zambian private sector of the availability of the Agency in facilitating trade to offer a range of business development support services to enhance export volumes to Botswana and Africa.
