16 Feb 2016

Foreign and local investors have been urged to take advantage of the services offered by Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC)  to establish businesses.

The investment trade centre is a national trade agency that promotes Botswana as a leading investment destination in Africa, and also provides assistance to local and foreign investors.

In an interview, the director of investment and promotion, Mr Moshie Ratsebe said the centre was responsible for promoting foreign direct investment, investor aftercare, and the promotion of locally manufactured goods in export markets.

He said they provide a conducive environment as they work as the middle man to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that at times hinder investors to kick-start their businesses. He said they offer a one stop shop where investors could access all services without running from pillar to post as it was the case, adding that they have established protocols with different government departments and guarantee the fastest service.

The centre assists investors with company registration, land acquisition, factory shells, utility connections as well as work and residence permits.

Mr Ratsebe explained that requests by investors for support from BITC and other agencies were evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed project assists in the government’s diversification efforts, and how it contributes to the growth of priority sectors, and provides employment and training to citizens.

He also noted that services offered were free of charge and acknowledged the inflow of requests by local investors who show interest to utilise their services. The organisation organised a business seminar in Maun to sensitise the business community and other stakeholders about its mandate. Speaking during the seminar, Mr Ratsebe said they found it fit to take services to the people since they have only one office in Gaborone.

He said they also wanted to create awareness among the community that they were not focusing on foreign investors only, but also cultivate the spirit of investment amongst Batswana.

He informed the gathering that the centre was doing its best to communicate with the world to attract investors to Botswana, adding that they were competing with neighbouring countries/

Mr Ratsebe said the main objective was to develop locals to go into ventures with foreign investors. “We have great capabilities locally and we do our best to help investors identify the necessary requirements,” he added. BITC drives wealth creation for Batswana by creating platforms that would instigate and ensure increased citizen participation in the economy and create sustainable job opportunities.

Another speaker from the business facilitation department, Mr Patrick Mosweu explained that they provide professional services to both new and existing foreign and local investors.
He said their aim was to enable investors to secure government clearances and approvals with ease.

He said the department also offers after-care programmes to all facilitated investors which aims to maintain relationships. Mr Mosweu said the programme also aims to identify challenges encountered by new and existing companies in the implementation and operation of projects as well as offering assistance through direct consultation and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. Ends