07 Dec 2015

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi returned on Saturday (December 5) from the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) summit wherein he engaged with China President Xi Jinping and other African heads of states led by African Union (AU) chairperson, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

The summit, which was held on the African soil for the first time, and convened by South African President Jacob Zuma, saw China announce an offer of US$60 billion of interest-free credit facility and grants to the African countries to be expended within a period of three years (2016-2018).

The Vice President said the funds would be spent on the development of various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development of the African continent, thus bolstering security, peace and stability of the continent.

Mr Masisi also noted that Botswana views China as an important development partner whose diplomatic relations began in 1975 and were natured over the years. The relations, he said, saw China becoming a player in infrastructural development through the disbursement of loans to finance the construction sector over the years.

Furthermore, he said China has assisted Botswana in numerous construction works through grants, making it a fast growing partner.

He said government continues to strive to diversify the economy and will ensure that it optimally utilises the credit facility presented by China.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse, who also attended the summit, said China and Botswana have enjoyed good trade relations, adding that at the summit, China affirmed to support mineral beneficiation in African countries. He added that minerals must be processed in Africa for beneficiation purposes rather than exporting them in a raw state to China.

The Vice President was accompanied by Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale, and Mr Seretse as well as senior government officials.  Ends