Botswana leader calls for increased trade

BOTSWANA President Mokgweetsi Masisi says there is need for Zambia and Botswana to accelerate industrialisation through a sustainable growth strategy to create jobs and attract more investment.

Mr Masisi said the growth strategy should be undertaken through a robust private sector, which was key to national development.

The Botswana Head of State said this in Ndola yesterday when he opened the 54th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) also attended by President Edgar Lungu.

In Mr Masisi’s entourage were First Lady Neo Masisi and former Botswana President Festus Mogae.

Mr Masisi called for increased trade and engagement of the private sector in the two countries to accelerate economic growth.

The private sector, he said, should help diversify the economy and develop products and services.

He said he was happy that the two countries had continued to strengthen bilateral ties and cited the construction of the US$215 million Kazungula Bridge, which was expected to be completed next year.

Mr Masisi said this year’s ZITF theme “Private sector key to Industrialisation,” resonated well with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) theme of “partnering with the private sector in industry.”

At the same event, Mr Lungu expressed gratitude that the Botswana President had accepted the invitation to officially open the ZITF.

Mr Lungu said Mr Masisi's presence signified the importance the two countries placed on their bilateral relations.

He noted that Zambia and Botswana were intent on increasing trade in their respective countries in an effort to boost economic growth.

Meanwhile, ZITF board chairperson Jane Kabwela said the board was proud to host another successful Trade Fair with more than 60 percent of private sector companies exhibiting this year.

Mr Masisi arrived in Ndola in the morning and was received by President Lungu at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport and was treated to a 21-gun salute.