Maseru – Lesotho’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Honourable Mokhethi Shelile, has welcomed the launch of the Lesotho–South Africa Business Council as a new chapter for cross-border trade. The council was established to provide a formal platform for private sector collaboration between the two countries, which share long-standing cultural and economic ties.
Speaking on Tuesday, Minister Shelile said that while trade and business exchanges have historically been informal and uneven, the council aims to strengthen partnerships and create clearer opportunities for investment. He noted government efforts to simplify business procedures, improve border operations, expand digital services for investors, and ensure a predictable policy environment.
The minister also pointed to ongoing work to harmonise standards, facilitate the movement of goods and skilled labour, and support local enterprises in key sectors. Shelile described the council as a practical tool to resolve bottlenecks and promote market growth, rather than a symbolic initiative.
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