29 Jun 2016

Exhibitions provide a platform for exhibitors and visitors to search for business partners, develop and cultivate new customer relations as well as test markets for their products, Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Advocate Sadique Kebonang has said.

Officially opening Lobatse Mini Show organised by Lobatse Town Council for local entrepreneurs, Advocate Kebonang said exhibitions also provided a chance for quick and direct interaction as well as knowledge exchange.

He further said mini shows were also an opportunity to allow Batswana and other potential clients in general to know local entrepreneurs and be able to easily locate them when they need their products or services.

He said the initiative was aligned to his ministry’s mandate which he said was to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship development. He added that government will continue to provide the necessary support to local enterprises to improve their performance and make them more competitive. 

“Let me assure you that government stands ready to always collaborate in various ways, in initiatives such as this one,” Kebonang said.

Advocate Kebonang who is also Member of Parliament for Lobatse, urged the public to take full advantage of government programmes and initiatives targeted towards business development and promotion. He said such initiatives could help them realise their dreams and ultimately reduce poverty and joblessness.

He said however, new innovations, skills and strategies were also needed to achieve sustainable development and reduce dependency on government assistance.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, councillor for Newlook/Maipei Mr Mosimanekgotla Botanka urged entrepreneurs to take their businesses seriously and nurture them. He said they should bear in mind that their businesses were the reason they wake up every day as they put bread on the table.

He also pleaded with the public and other stakeholders to offer all the necessary support to help, more especially small business owners to grow. He expressed gratitude to all government programmes in place to support local enterprises.

For her part, Lobatse Town Clerk, Ms Boikhutsho Matenge said the objectives of the mini show were to promote and market locally produced products and services and offer entrepreneurs a forum to exchange ideas to better their products.

She added that the show also aimed at encouraging production of quality products for local and international markets. She said advertising small businesses will also give them chance to grow.

Meanwhile, the founder of All Kasi brand, Mr Ludo Kemoeng encouraged entrepreneurs to give their all to their businesses, adding that a business owner should not be lazy. He said businesses were a centre for economic growth as they create employment for both owners and other people. Ends