28 Feb 2019

The private sector remains critical to Botswana’s developmental agenda, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) of Botswana and Zimbabwe in Harare on February 28.

He said the private sector could bolster initiatives to address problems such as poverty, food security and youth unemployment in the two countries.

“It is my earnest conviction that, going forward, this BNC should always include participation of private sector on the margins of our formal meetings,” he said

Dr Masisi said it was important for the two governments to engage the private sector to play its part in improving trade and investment between the two nations.

Furthermore, President Masisi said there were a number of initiatives that had potential to spur trade and investment between Botswana and Zimbabwe as well as the entire SADC region.

He said the envisaged Ponta Techobanine project between Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe would facilitate movement of people and goods between the three countries as well as access to Asia and the Pacific markets. 

“I therefore look forward to our tripartite summit with Mozambique, which will discuss this project so as to find ways to expedite its conclusion,” he said.

Dr Masisi also the BNC session provided an opportunity to exchange views on a wide variety of issues of mutual interests. 

Therefore, he said convening the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission of Botswana and Zimbabwe was impetus to the advancement of fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile Zimbabwean President, Dr Emmerson   Mnangagwa said through the BNC, both countries should cease the opportunities that came with agreements under the framework.

He called for commitment from ministers and senior government officials in implementing decisions and commitments made during the inaugural session.

President Mnangagwa said the two governments should consider enhancing cooperation with regards to strengthening cooperation, which supported democracy.

“This will help consolidate our desire to entrench democratic tenants, the rule of law, transparency and the ability in government systems of the two countries.

He said needs and opportunities relating to women, youth and other vulnerable groups should be given attention through the BNC, adding that it was through a more robust engagement on the widest possible range of issues that maximised benefits could be realised. 

He said Zimbabwe was ready to join hands to promote cross border investments and facilitate joint ventures and other linkages between public and private entities. 

He concurred with Dr Masisi that infrastructure connectivity was essential for enhancing peace, inclusive growth and learning. 

In this regard, he said Zimbabwe was encouraged by the immense possibilities that could stem from connectivity projects and economic corridors that might emerge from the cooperation in this regard.

He said he was grateful for Botswana and Zambia for accepting Zimbabwe in the inclusion of the construction of Kazungula Bridge and the one stop border post, adding that Zimbabwe would accelerate conclusion of the necessary preliminary work necessary.

He said the proposed Ponta Techobanine would also add to improving connectivity in the region.

Following the official opening of the BNC summit, six agreements were signed.

The Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow signed three agreements, being Rules of Procedure for BNC, Memorandum on Diplomatic Consultancies, Cooperation in the Field of  Science, Technology and Innovation.

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale signed  MoU on Geology, Mining and Metallurgy and Cooperation in the Field of Energy. 

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi signed the Extradition Treaty. The three signed with their Zimbabwean counterparts. ends