09 Apr 2015

Parliament has been informed that Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) has three regional offices internationally situated at the United Kingdom, India and South Africa.

Minister of Local government and Rural development , Mr Slumber Tsogwane, said the offices had always been headed by Batswana since their establishment. He also noted that all the heads of regional offices completed their tour in October and December 2014 and had since returned to headquarters.

Mr Tsogwane, who was answering a question on behalf of Minister of Trade and Industry, further said BITC collaborated with Botswana Embassies abroad to leverage on their international reach and networks in the regions where BITC does not have a presence.

He however acknowledged that these offices were not enough but having more offices was not possible due to budget constraints.  Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had wanted to know how many international offices BITC had and if they were occupied.

He had also asked whether the minister had or would appoint Botswana citizens to head these offices and if these offices were adequate to sell Botswana globally. ENDS