06 May 2018

The Mauritian government has pledged to offer their highly developed Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as a reference point to Botswana, posing an opportunity for both countries to attract lucrative investment in various sectors of the economy.

Speaking in an interview upon arrival from Port Louis, the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Vincent Seretse said he had an opportunity to sit in meetings between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his counterpart, Mr Pravin Jugnauth where a wide range of issues were discussed during the working visit there.

He said in terms of trade, Mauritius had highly developed SEZs and had offered to support Botswana that was beginning to develop the same concept.

Mr Seretse noted that Botswana and Mauritius had cooperation agreements with regards to medical field. He said there were specialist doctors on cardiac field from Mauritius who would come here. He said what was left in the agreement was to revise and improve it.

For his part, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Mineral Security, Mr Eric Molale said the Mauritians were looking to Botswana in order to increase their share of the export of the jewellery diamond manufacturing industry.

“They want to increase from 200 million per annum to a much higher figure. They are looking for diamonds and they have asked us to grant them licenses to buy more diamonds here. We have in principle agreed subject to them meeting the basic requirements that include ethical considerations such as the Kimberly Process and others,” he added.

 Mr Molale said within a short period of time they would be meeting the Mauritius minister of minerals to process the issue.

“We are of the view that when we start discussions on this matter, we would also want to have a share of the value added from our diamond industry, we will keep on talking and believe that the new concept of SEZs and our diamonds industry will jell,” he said.

Mr Molale noted that the SEZs have become Mauritius’ export value and it would be beneficial for Botswana to engage them.

In Mauritius, President Masisi held bilateral discussions with Mr Jugnauth and the working visit also afforded the President an opportunity to introduce himself to his counterpart and re-affirm Botswana’s resolve and commitment to further deepen and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Mauritius.

The discussions also covered regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern between the two countries.

Mr Masisi was accompanied by Mr Seretse, Mr Molale, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Alfred Madigele and the Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Mr Moiseraele Goya and other senior government officials. Ends