By Rudo Saungweme

The inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission will see Zimbabwe fulfil its goal of attaining a middle income economy by 2030, Harare Post has learnt.

Speaking during his Bi-national inaugural session address today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said, “The strategic importance of the relationship between our two countries cannot be over-emphasized. The new chapter of friendship and cooperation which was re-invigorated under the Second Republic provides immense potential for closer cooperation between the various spheres of our economies, both in the public and private sectors.”

President Mnangagwa also stated that the cooperation between the two countries will help consolidate the desire for Zimbabwe to entrench democratic tenets and accountability in our governance systems.

“To this end, there is scope for greater cooperation to promote trade, investment in mining, agriculture, environment and tourism, transport and infrastructure development, energy, health, education among many other sectors. We must also consider enhancing our cooperation with regards the strengthening of institutions which support democracy. This will in turn help consolidate our desire to entrench democratic tenets, the rule of law, transparency and accountability in our governance,” he said.

The need for the two countries to support the youth, women and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was also addressed by President Mnangagwa.

He said, “The needs and opportunities relating to our youth, women, SMEs and vulnerable groups must also be given due attention by our Bi-National Commission. It is through a more robust engagement on the widest possible range of issues, that we can nurture and realize the maximum benefits form the forum.”

President Mnangagwa opened the Zimbabwe Women`s Microfinance Bank and the Empowerment bank in June and July last year respectively. The banks were launched so as to champion women`s financial inclusion through availing affordable funding options to start their own enterprise.

The United Nations also endorsed the opening of these financial institutions indicating that the move will go a long way in tackling gender inequalities in the country.