05 Aug 2021

Preparations  are ongoing for the country share with the world its economic potential, its cultural heritage and pride at the upcoming Dubai 2020 expo.

Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) chief executive officer Mr Keletsositse Olebile expressed the business fraternity and BITC’s readiness to participate at the expo in an interview BOPA.

Hosted by the United Arab Emirates, The World expo is scheduled to open on October 1 and will run until March 2022.

The expo, which  was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to open up new markets and opportunities for the 192 participating countries to forge new partnerships that will bolster their economies.

Mr Olebile said BITC had mobilised all relevant stakeholders while all goods to be showcased had been shipped to Dubai.

 He further explained that BITC had sent officers to finalise preparations of the stall.

 Moreover, he expressed confidence that Botswana would put up a significant show. 

Mr Olebile said because of the predicaments brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties to travel, BITC had adopted a hybrid model and made arrangements for other companies to showcase their products  virtually.

He said already they had placed advertisements calling  companies to express interest to participate and exhibit their products in their virtual arrangements.

 Meanwhile, BITC director of corporate communication Ms Kutlo Moagi said BITC had decided to incorporate all sectors for participation to sell the heritage and pride of Botswana. 

 She said the mining and tourism sectors had been the country's focus over the years, adding that, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic they noticed not only the economic downturn but also the potential of some sectors to thrive in the market.

 Ms Moagi singled out the agricultural sector as one segment that ought to be advanced to ensure food security and employment creation.

 She reiterated that the expo would grant the country an opportunity to benchmark with other international exhibitors on modern ways of improving the agricultural sector and advance the country's economic potential. 

 Ms Moagi said the beef sector was also competitive across the globe, adding that BITC intended to assess possibilities of sustainable development.

 “As for ICT and innovation, we appreciate that most countries when it comes to going digital and automating they are steadfast. 

So we wish to go and showcase what we are capable of and learn from advanced countries,” she said. 

She said Dubai was known for its state-of-the-art technology, adding that Botswana stood to learn a lot from participating in the expo. 

 Ms Moagi said Botswana had been strong in the mining sector but the greatest potential lied in the beneficiation. 

 “Our dedication is focused on making sure that we push every sector which has potential to benefit the country internationally,” she said. Ends