Botswana: The private sector has been urged to take advantage of the Botswana-D.R Congo Business Forum to gain vital information and insights on strategies they can leverage to gain access to the international markets.
When opening the Business Forum in Tlokweng yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said President Tshilombo’s visit aims to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
He added that Botswana enjoys a positive trade balance with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the two countries will increase the scope of a trade by creating centres of excellence to grow the economy through accelerated job creation, poverty alleviation and economic diversification.
President Masisi said the DRC is the largest country by size in Sub-Saharan Africa; hence it is an important market with enormous potential, particularly for our locally produced goods and services. He said Botswana’s market is augmented by other countries which are members of the same bilateral and multilateral agencies as Botswana, such as the South African Customs Union, Southern African Development Committee and European Unions.
The two countries are signatories to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which gives member countries opportunities to benefit from inter-regional trade within the continent and contribute to the growth and diversification of their respective economies.
His Excellency Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has urged the Botswana private sector to invest and create partnerships with DRC. He said his government is committed to making the business climate conducive to trade.
President Tshilombo appreciated the opportunity to visit Jwaneng Mine, adding that he benefited from good insights and learned good management of the diamond industry. He stated that the mining sector in his country needs to be rehabilitated and that he will follow the Botswana model and inspiration. He said the two countries have resources and the potential to grow the economy for the benefit of their citizens.
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding for trade exchange through the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and the Republic of the Congo National Investment Centre Promotion Agency (ANAPI).