THREE out of the 11 Botswana-based companies exhibiting at the Zambia International Trade Fair have started talks with local firms which will culminate into opening up of branches in Zambia.

And some Botswana companies have expressed interest to open new companies or branches in Zambia with the aim of supplying goods and services to the large market being offered by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other countries in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.

Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority, export enterprise development manager, Obert Yuyi said the trade fair offered companies opportunities for expansion.

He said the annual show provided new avenues for selling Bostwana-made goods and services abroad.

"Botswana companies are exploring opportunities and possible partnerships through joint ventures which they have identified after participating in the trade fair," he said.

Mr Yuyi said although it was early for Bedia to release further information about the ongoing talks between the three Botswana firms and some local companies there were a number of points showing a clear indication those partnerships through joint ventures would soon be worked.

"Ndola is a getway to the Southern African Development Community and the Comesa regions which companies from Botswana want to use to the fullest after being impressed with networks established between the Botswana private sector and the Zambian private sector," he said.

Botswana companies exhibiting at the trade fair include those dealing in manufacturing, body lotion and cosmetics (Kemtek Products Ltd), clay bricks manufacturing and construction services (Lobats Ltd), concrete products and rail slipper (Kwenya Ltd) and PVC pipes and other industrial equipment (Flo Ltd).

The companies that exhibited included those manufacturing chemical products, towels, textile products, dairy products, beverages and bottled mineral water.