The Chairperson of the Women in Business Association (WIBA) in the North West region has praised the mini exhibition held alongside the 4th Bi-National Commission session between Botswana and Zimbabwe as a valuable platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Organized by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and ZimTrade, the exhibition provides companies from both countries with an opportunity to showcase their products, aimed at fostering and enhancing mutually beneficial cross-border trade. Christinah Leshego, representing WIBA, highlighted that the forum offers participants exposure and the chance to exchange ideas and seek support to enhance their business operations. Leshego expressed gratitude that WIBA had designated some of its members to attend, stating, "I am optimistic that they will gain valuable insights from their counterparts and interact with professionals who can offer advice to help grow their businesses." She also noted Zimbabwe's advancement in various sectors, particularly manufacturing, suggesting that local businesses in manufacturing and agro-processing could learn from best practices and explore potential partnerships. "We sincerely appreciate BITC and ZimTrade for organizing this business forum as it will offer numerous benefits to participants, empowering them to share expertise and firsthand experiences," Leshego added. She emphasized that following the forum, more locals would likely take advantage of the free trade agreements signed by Botswana to bolster the export base and ultimately drive economic growth. Over a hundred delegates are attending the 4th Bi-National Commission session between Botswana and Zimbabwe, which commenced on Monday at Maun Lodge. The five-day meeting includes senior officials and other high-level stakeholders, culminating in a ministerial meeting on Thursday, followed by the official opening of the session by heads of state on February 9. The meeting provides both countries with an opportunity to strengthen ties and evaluate progress in implementing decisions made during the third session of the Bi-National Commission in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 2022. Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Mmusi Kgafela, and Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr. Frederick Shava, are expected to lead the Botswana-Zimbabwe business forum at Maun Lodge on February 8. Organized by BITC in collaboration with ZimTrade, the forum aims to nurture and strengthen trade and business relations between the two countries. It will explore investment and trade opportunities, promote Botswana as an investment destination, and facilitate potential joint-venture partnerships between Botswana and Zimbabwean companies. The forum will focus on sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing (textiles & clothing, building materials, and furniture), and services (tourism and financial services). BITC has announced that there will be targeted business-to-business meetings to facilitate engagement between Botswana and Zimbabwean companies for potential joint venture partnerships.