20 Nov 2018

Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry continues to engage in both domestic and international investment missions with a view to promote investment and development of sustainable industries to diversify and grow the economy.

Answering a question in Parliament from  MP for Nata/Gweta Mr Polson Majaga on November 19, Minister Bogolo Kenewendo said in an endeavour to promote Botswana as an investment destination of choice, she had undertaken six international trips to China, South Africa, United States, Rwanda, Singapore and Switzerland since April 2018.

She noted that from April 2018 to date, her ministry had covered about 53 villages, towns and cities from 21 constituencies to inform the business community and residents about their products and services, as well as business opportunities that existed within their areas through their outreach programmes.

Furthermore Ms Kenewendo said her ministry was engaged in collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs to ease doing business in Botswana.

In this regard, she said the immigration ministry had seconded three officers to the Botswana One Stop Service Centre (BOSSC) in order to fast track issuance of VISAS and Residence permits for investors.

In addition, BOSSC had been resourced through appointment of a single Immigration Selection Board aimed at serving all BOSSC applications.

MP Majaga had asked the minister to state the assistance rendered to the business community in Botswana to venture into profitable businesses.

He had also wanted the minister to state the number of international trips undertaken by the minister to attract investors; the number of constituencies visited to inform constituents about best ways of trading; and whether there were collaborative efforts with ministry of immigration to ease doing business in Botswana. ENDS