19 Oct 2017

 The Ambassador of France to Botswana and special representative to SADC, Mr Pierre Voillery says his country aims to lure most of its companies to set up businesses in Botswana.    
Speaking at a reception he hosted for the France and Botswana business communities at his residence this week, where he also introduced the France-Botswana Business Club, he said the moment has arrived for the two countries to seriously engage in business dealings.

 He also introduced a team of France local company executives who woud be contact personnel in business partnerships.
Ambassador Voillery, who was excited about his mission in the country, said ever since he arrived in the country, he has been at the forefront of inviting French companies to set up businesses in Botswana because there were endless opportunities prevailing in the country.

He noted that the French Embassy in Gaborone in May organised a forum where 20 French companies operating in South Africa came to explore business adventures, adding that some of them showed interest in coming into the country.
The French envoy said he had also met with small and medium French companies before assuming office, but decried that he does not know why they were taking time to come, as they have shown interest in coming. He added that they have the required information about the business atmosphere in Botswana.

On another note, Ambassador Voillery said the two countries have mutual diplomatic relations aimed at the socio-economic development of the two countries, especially Botswana which was at the heart of SADC. He said Botswana has the potential to provide a lucrative market in the region.
He further noted that Botswana and France have recently signed a tax agreement, and that the French Parliament was eagerly waiting to ratify it in order to set it on motion. He said the move was a deliberate development aimed at enhancing the economic status of the two nations.

Mr Voillery urged the Botswana business community and individuals with interest in partnering with French companies to approach the France-Botswana Business Club for more details or to come to the embassy.    
The event was attended by executives from leading Botswana companies as well as the mayor of Gaborone, Mr Kagiso Thutlwe. ENDS