12 May 2019

European Union Ambassador to Botswana Mr Jan Sadek says there is potential in the economic exchange between EU and Botswana.

Speaking at Europe Day on May 9, Mr Sadek said the exchange could deliver on the most important ambition of Botswana government of growing and diversifying the economy.

He said Botswana should find other things to export and not be too dependent on diamonds.

He noted that EU had a mandate and funds to support exports from Botswana to Europe and elsewhere, adding that they would implement the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement and the enormous trade potential for Botswana that the agreement brings.

Therefore, he said there was need to encourage businesses in Botswana to take advantage of the trade agreement, as well as to give the private sector the right incentives to use all the talent and entrepreneurship available in the country to start new companies.

Mr Sadek further added that Botswana could succeed in trade efforts if given a chance.

For her part, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow applauded EU for an exhibition that enabled a diverse group of businesses and individuals to display their wares.

She said the exhibition was an appropriate and reflective commitment of EU to strengthen its partnerships.

“Botswana and EU have old and enduring relations with EU,” she said adding that the relations were out of shared interests and common values of democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law as well as the desire for an open economy.

Minister Dow said government appreciated the constant support from EU in advancing Botswana’s development aspirations.

She indicated that the development and nurturing of talents, which ‘lead to innovation,  also lead to a thriving economy that provides better standards of living for its people’.

The EU commemorated Europe Day under the theme; Exposing Botswana Talent and Export to the European Union.

Various products from indigenous materials such as sengaparile, essential oils and fruit jam as well as other sectors relying on craftsmanship and design such as furniture, clothing and organic fertilizers were on display. ENDS