15 Mar 2022

 As Expo 2020 Dubai comes to an end on March 31, Botswana and host United Arab Emirates (UAE) have identified ways of strengthening ties.
  UAE Minister of State for Foreign Economy, Dr Thuni Zeyoudi said at a Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) conference that Botswana and AUE had a long standing partnership with solid investment ties.
 He said the current trade value between Botswana and UAE, estimated at $2.5 billion, should be broadened.
 “The expo has provided platform for dialogue between our respective private sectors,” he stated.
 Dr Zeyoudi said his country was committed to dialoguing with Botswana about investment opportunities in the Arab market.
The UAE market had much to offer Botswana owing to its long built global investment hub with strategic locations, strong financial reserves, global talent pool and flexible tax policy, financial reserves, robust spending on development and flexible economy, he said.
Dr Zeyoudi said strategically located in the heart of Southern Africa and being a global competitive tourism destination with potential for expansion, Botswana should therefore tap into the UAE market.
He said the expo presented immense opportunities that could propel Botswana’s economic growth.
UAE sponsored the Botswana pavilion at the world’s greatest show that attracted 192 out of the world’s 195 countries.
On Monday, UAE vice president Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum  visited the Botswana pavilion with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi signifying the two country’s commitment to strengthening their relationships. ENDS