12 Jan 2021

The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, says government is looking at vigorously pursuing foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as growing infrastructure base and capacity to industrialise.

He said Chinese technology and international capital would play a role in the efforts to reboot the economy. 

President Masisi said this during a meeting with China’s minister of foreign affairs, Mr Wang Yi, in Gaborone on Thursday. 

He expressed delight at the support China rendered Botswana, saying Mr Wang’s visit was significant and historic since it marked the 46th anniversary of the relations between the two countries.

He said the relations between Botswana and China was premised on the support of one China policy.

Dr Masisi further indicated that his government wanted to continue to deepen relations with China, saying China through its ambassador in Botswana had been carrying exemplary work through engagements of charity, developmental assistance at bilateral level and cooperation.

He said Botswana would continue to dialogue and broaden the country’s participation, given the opportunities, particularly infrastructure priorities, which he said was priority under the transformation recovery plan.

Dr Masisi also commended China for support during the COVID-19 pandemic era.

He said the support helped in saving lives, adding that Batswana would forever be delightful at the assistance from China.

He said in Botswana, China would find trustworthy, dependable and stable ally.

However, he said this would not take away Botswana’s sovereignty and independence.

For his part, Mr Wang praised Dr Masisi for his continued efforts to uphold the international relations of the two countries. 

He said Dr Masisi had made efforts to uphold profound traditional relations of the two countries since he took office.

He said Dr Masisi dedicated his efforts to the one China policy and acted decisively to repair the political foundation of the bilateral relationships, which brought back on track the relationship of sound development for the interest of the country and its people.

Mr Wang further noted that China was ready to enhance bilateral cooperation with Botswana and bring mutual benefit including digital cooperation that was the future of the economy. 

He said China was looking forward to sharing experience and expertise with Botswana in pursuit of the fourth industrial revolution. BOPA