08 Jul 2021

Preparations for the 2021 Dubai World Exposition are said to be progressing well. 

Addressing a stakeholder engagement meeting in Francistown recently, Botswana International Trade Centre (BITC) chief operations officer, Mr Reginald Selelo said Botswana was ready to participate in the expo billed for October 1 to March 31, 2022.

“Great progress has been made so far towards preparations of the expo,” he added. 

He explained that the six months’ exposition would present an opportunity for Botswana to present its case as well as to to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

“The expo present yet another chance to reset our economy by bringing investors and tourists into our country,” he added. 

He explained that the country would be participating at the world event using multi-sectoral entities. 

He told stakeholders that activities at the expo would include performances, innovation, galleries, art, outdoor showcases and cultural spectacles. Mr Selelo said the expo would provide an opportunity for the world to taste Botswana cuisine. 

Presenting an overview of the event, BITC executive director (export development and promotion), Ms Trunklinah Gabonthone, underscored the importance of participating at the global expo. 

She said the 2020 expo was a unique business platform to attract investments, forge agreements, and promote international cooperation.

She said it would provide a platform that allowed start-ups from across the world to catalyse collaborations, stimulate innovation and create opportunities in trade and investment. 

“It is a gate way to growth, it allows participants to gain foothold in a rapidly developing market of approximately 3.5 billon people in the region,” she added. 

She explained that with over 190 countries participating, the Dubai expo will present participants with an opportunity to rekindle business connections, open new markets and revenue streams.   

“It present an opportunity for Botswana to make new connection with potential business partners, buyers and distributors,” she added. 

Ms Gabonthone further indicated that the expo further presents participants with business engagements opportunities, networking, and product launches opportunities. 

She said Botswana would have a pavilion, which would  be used for various activities that include exhibits aligned to key messages, live music and performance, games, business to business engagements, meetings and conferences, promotional videos, as well as demonstrations, amongst others. ends