Pretoria - South Africa and Botswana are geared to boost bilateral trade and investment, despite the strained global economic conditions.
The two sides share strong economic ties and South Africa remains Botswana's major trading partner.
South African companies have a huge presence in Botswana and are involved in various sectors including mining, housing, food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels and leisure, banking and medical services.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the High Commission of Botswana and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre in Johannesburg, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Luwellyn Landers said companies operating in Botswana will continue to contribute to the growth and development of the Botswana economy as well as skills transfer.
The seminar is held under the theme ‘Doing Business in Botswana’.
Botswana and South Africa are affected by the global economic conditions and drought, which has significantly reduced crop production throughout the region.
Deputy Minister Landers said it is only through acknowledging mutual dependence and cooperation that the two sides will respond to the current environment and boost growth and development.
“We will continue to strengthen our bilateral relations and the excellent work that has been achieved thus far at the political level and on the economic field in order to maximise the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
Botswana and South Africa, who share 16 border posts, conduct their relations under the Bi-National Commission (BNC), which is presided over by the two Heads of State. The BNC ensures that bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Botswana is directed at the highest level. As such, 36 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements have been signed between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za
