15 Sep 2013

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially new investment and expansions, is central to the mandate of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

This was said by the ministry’s acting permanent secretary, Mr Boniface Mphetlhe at the Trade and Investment Seminar for Heads of Missions accredited to Botswana on September 12.

Mr Mphetlhe said new investments and expansion were necessary for economic diversification, wealth and employment creation and ultimately poverty eradication.

He explained that the seminar provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and views on the national development agenda and to appreciate the needs and expectations of citizens from the Heads of Missions’ various countries of origin.  He said these interactions would also improve the ease of doing business in Botswana.

“We have also dedicated a lot of our resources and time towards various negotiations with a view to securing markets for products and services from Botswana.

This is meant to ensure that business entities have the confidence to invest in Botswana as they will have an outlet for their goods and services,” he said.

Mr Mphetlhe assured the Heads of Missions of his ministry’s commitment to improving the country’s business environment.

The purpose of the seminar was to exchange ideas with a view to furthering the ministry’s mandate of creating a conducive environment for development of sustainable industries and trade, as well as the development of its diplomatic relations.

The Heads of Missions were also informed about Botswana’s efforts to create a conducive environment for trade and investment, and updated on trade arrangements and existing investment opportunities in Botswana. Ends