06 Sep 2016

 The governments of Botswana  and Singapore are exploring ways of increasing levels of their economic, trade and education cooperation.

As follow up to the high level meeting last month, Singapore minister of state and foreign affairs, Dr Mohammed Osman,  paid  Botswana a two-day visit to strengthen relations between the two countries.

He met the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale at the minister’s office on Monday and the duo discussed various issues relating to cooperation between their countries.

“We were doing follow up discussions primarily on how to continue partnering with Singapore. We were also discussing issues concerning our bilateral agreements so that they can pave way for more partnerships. For instance, we are working on double taxation avoidance. We have also discussed issues of technical education,” Mr Molale said.

Mr Molale stated that Singapore was advanced in information, communication technology and technical education, therefore Botswana wanted to develop partnership in that area.

“They have a programme called the skills future through which they are seeking continuous improvement of workforce in various skills which they have. 

This is a partnership between their government and the private sector and we want to learn more about it,” Mr Molale said.

Regarding trade, the minister said they discussed how Singapore could become a consumer of Botswana products.

Mr Osman said their meeting with the minister was fruitful. 

He said they viewed opportunities for economic development in Botswana and how Singapore companies could invest in this country. 

He explained that the bilateral relations between the two countries commenced in 1993 and Singapore contributed towards the establishment of Botswana National Productivity Centre and Botswana Public Service College. ENDS