23 Jan 2023

Relations between Botswana and China continued have continued to grow with mutual trust between them being strengthened and pragmatic cooperation deepening over the past year.

    This was said by Chinese ambassador Mr Wang Xuefeng at this year’s Chinese Spring Festival held in Gaborone recently.

   “China is Botswana’s main trading partner and source of imports. From January to September last year, the total volume between the two countries increased by 27.8 per cent year on year against headwinds with an optimised trade structure,” said Mr Wang.

  The ambassador said the two countries also experienced steady promotion of cooperation projects such as Botswana beef exportation, China-aided construction of Kazungula Primary School and the Luban workshop project.

 “The fruitful development of China and Botswana relations could not be achieved without the joint efforts of compatriots in Botswana,” he said adding that the Chinese community in Botswana had been actively promoting friendship between the two countries.

   Mr Wang said the two countries had consolidated their positions and reinforced mutual support on international and regional affairs to jointly safeguard developing countries’ interests.

   Speaking at the event,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Gladys Mokhawa said the friendly and cooperative relations between Botswana and China were founded on a solid foundation as well as enduring principles of mutual trust and respect.

  “These principles have indeed stood the test of time and circumstances. Thus I strongly believe that Botswana and China would continue to collaborate towards a stronger partnership and prosperity into the future,” she said.

  Dr Mokhawa said the two countries continued to benefit from bilateral agreements which facilitated cooperation in different areas including agriculture, health and medicine.

  Botswana, she said, was optimistic for positive conclusion of negotiations on the opening of Cinese markets to Botswana beef.

  Dr Mokhawa expressed delight that more Chinese companies were seizing investment opportunities in Botswana due to the country’s stable, peaceful, friendly as well as profitable business environment.

 She said the two countries’ relations were extensive and across many sectors owing to various diplomatic exchanges on issues of mutual concern between their heads of state.

 Dr Mokhawa said capacity building programmes offered by China were also expanded and enhanced with over 200 undertaken from January last year to date.

  “Substantial grant financing for construction of internal roads across the country further continued to make positive contribution to the development of Botswana,” she said.

  The permanent secrtary said Botswana recognised the Chinese community’s contribution to schools and communities countrywide. ENDS