International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthen trade relations with Botswana after COVID-19 stalled economic growth in both countries.
Speaking on Wednesday at a high-level South Africa-Botswana Business Forum in Botswana, Gaborone, Pandor told delegates that they need to strengthen business-to-business linkages to facilitate trade, investment and joint venture partnerships.
“Tourism was hit hard in both countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and together we need to develop sustainable strategies to revitalise the tourism industry,” she said.
The forum forms part of celebrations of 28 years of trade and investment relations between the two countries.
Pandor and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, are accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa on a working visit to Botswana.
The Minister believes both countries would also benefit from an agricultural exchange, adding that despite Botswana having fertile land, it still imports a lot of the food.
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