TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Eswatini King Mswati III last week raised concern over low trade figures between Zimbabwe and Eswatini.
Zimbabwe imports about US$5.6bn worth of goods from Eswatini. On the other hand Eswatini imports about US$2bn from Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, King Mswati III said the two countries should enhance trade ties.
Zimbabwe and Eswatini enjoy cordial bilateral relations and are both members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and SADC, which enables the two countries to do business without technical barriers to trade.
“However, trade and investment between our two countries remains insignificant when compared to our respective economical activities with the rest of the world, “he said.
King Mswati III also called for a close cooperation between Zimbabwe and Eswatini, as most countries are operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
“I therefore like to call for closer trade and investment collaboration between Eswatini and Zimbabwe. We make this call at a time when most African countries including ourselves are operationalising the AfCFTA. When it’s in full operation there should be seamless trade and business transactions between Eswatini and Zimbabwe,” he said.
Estimates indicate the AfCFTA could boost the continental economy from about US$3 trillion to about US$8 trillion by 2030.
He said digital trade was a new normal in Africa and Zimbabwe must take the lead in this alongside Eswatini.
“In our view, liberalisation of trade in services, which also includes the movement of persons, will be a positive step,” King Mswati III said.
He added: “This allows our private sector especially micro-small to medium enterprises to travel across the continent without any stringent restrictions such as prohibitive visa entry requirements or duty restrictions.”
Meanwhile, the government has lauded the ZITF, which ended last Saturday.
The 63rd edition of the ZITF ran under the theme: “Transformative Innovation, Global Competitiveness”
In an interview the Ministry of Industry and Commerce permanent secretary, Mavis Sibanda said the exhibitions were of international standards.
“The 63rd edition of the ZITF was very successful. It has been the best trade showcase I have seen since I became the permanent secretary as well as since the coming in of the Second Republic. The exhibitions by the exhibitors were of international standards and with innovation and technology being showcased,” she said.
