President Advocate Duma Boko will on April 23, officially open the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo.
Hot on the heels of undertaking a three-day state visit to Harare on April 22, President Boko will further cement stronger political and economic relations between the two countries at an event that undoubtedly defines Botswana and Zimbabwe’s economic future.
President Boko arrives in Bulawayo from Harare where he undertook a state visit and co-chaired the fifth session of the Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said President Boko’s attendance highlighted the growing importance for regional investment and export promotion.
He said President Boko’s visit comes at a time when Botswana and Zimbabwe were experiencing a notable improvement in bilateral relations as evidenced by a number of agreements and high level interaction between the two nations.
President Boko’s participation marks a new chapter in Botswana and Zimbabwe’s relations, reinforcing the idea that exhibitions could serve as bridges of diplomacy.
His presence is expected to inject momentum into bilateral relations, paving way for stronger collaborations in trade, investment and industrial development.
The ZITF opened earlier this week with a strong international presence and Botswana exhibitors at this year’s exhibition are expected to use the platform to unlock strategic investment opportunities.
The trade expo offers an opportunity to showcase investment potential, strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations and facilitate meaningful dialogue between governments, business and the diplomatic community.
The exhibition has attracted close to 500 direct exhibitors with about 46 from 29 countries including Botswana, Belgium, China, European Union, Belarus and Denmark, among others.
The country’s premier trade showcase runs until Saturday and brings together international businesses under one platform.
Held under the theme: Connected Economies, Competitive Industries, the trade fair has been seen as testament to the region’s re-engagement policy of translating diplomacy into tangible economic benefits.
The theme resonates with the growing push across Africa to link economies, enhance productivity and create resilient cross-border value chains.
Zimbabwe has strategised through inviting Heads of States to officiate at ZITF as a hallmark of its diplomatic outreach.
Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo presided over last year’s edition while Kenya’s President William Ruto opened the preceding one.
With a strong international participation, high level diplomatic engagements and a clear focus on economic cooperation, the trade fair begun on a high note reaffirming its status as a premier gateway for trade, investment and global partnerships.
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