---Interview with H.E. H.E. Dr Batlang Comma Serema, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Botswana to the People’s Republic of China
VICTWO: How would Your Excellency evaluate bilateral relations between China and Botswana?
AMBASSADOR: Botswana and China continue to enjoy strong friendship since establishing diplomatic relations 48 years ago. Our two countries have built a relationship based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation. China has played and continues to play a pivotal role in Botswana’s development as our strategic partner. Our cooperation spans across all sectors of our economies from education, health, agriculture, tourism, among others. We continue to explore further avenues to expand our cooperation and increase trade in several products especially in the agricultural sector which has greater potential for trade in beef products and varied fruits.
VICTWO: Why is Botswana a good investment destination?
AMBASSADOR: Botswana is considered a favorable investment destination due to several factors including our political stability, transparent governance, a relatively well-developed infrastructure and a business-friendly environment. Botswana lies at the centre of the southern Africa region therefore strategically positioned to be a launchpad for investors to cater to the region and the rest of the continent. In this regard, the Government is actively exploring investment in road and rail infrastructure with neighboring countries in a bid to facilitate ease of movement of goods in the region and to the rest of Africa. The Government has also instituted several tax incentives and policies such as reduced corporate tax, tax holidays and exemptions to support investment in several priority sectors.
VICTWO: How has Chinese investment been doing in Botswana?
AMBASSADOR: Botswana is most grateful to China for continuous investment in the country, especially infrastructure projects, which have had a positive impact on the country’s growth and social development. Many of these roads, airports, water and energy projects have not only improved the country’s transportation and energy sectors but also created job opportunities for the people of Botswana. China has also invested heavily in Botswana’s education through construction of educational facilities particularly in rural areas where there is the most need for such investment. Botswana has realized a sustained inflow of Chinese investment over the last decade with figures peaking at USD106 million in 2016. There was a downward movement in the trend in the years that followed owing to several factors including the COVID-19 pandemic that exacerbated the situation. However, I believe we have turned a corner and with the ample avenues to expand cooperation, we will see increased trade and investment flows between our countries.
VICTWO: Which sectors could be main target for investors in the following years?
AMBASSADOR: Botswana has several priority sectors where Government is intensifying efforts to channel foreign direct investment, and these include tourism, health, agriculture, financial services, among others. With the advent of COVID-19 and possible future health crises, the health sector has become one of the focus areas to collaborate with advanced economies like China and other international partners to secure support through their expertise, resources and knowledge sharing to strengthen the sector. Agriculture also holds the greatest potential for increased trade since China opened ‘green lanes’ for agricultural products from African countries. We just need to position ourselves, provide the necessary support and resources to farmers, with the help of China, in order to facilitate their access to the vast Chinese market.
In recent years, technology-related sectors such as information technology, telecommunications and innovation have taken centre stage as potential growth areas. We have been greatly inspired by what China has done with e-commerce which has completely transformed trade. This is a large part of our digitalization agenda that seeks to promote adoption of digital technologies that can drive economic growth by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of new industries. China is a key partner in this regard.
VICTWO: How does the government of Botswana take measures to attract new investors? Does the Embassy in Beijing have major plans to promote and facilitate investment?
AMBASSADOR: Botswana government continues to take several measures to attract investors, including providing a stable legal framework, offering tax incentives and supporting various sectors through policies that encourage foreign direct investment. These measures are aimed at creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
Regarding the work of the Embassy in Beijing, we continue to engage in promotional activities to attract investors and facilitate their entry into the Botswana and African market. We do so through organizing trade missions, investment forums, and providing information to potential investors about opportunities in Botswana.
VICTWO: Specifically, what potential or opportunity do you think our two countries have in science and technology cooperation?
AMBASSADOR: China is undoubtedly one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. The country’s technological prowess has been exhibited in many spheres including health, agriculture, aviation, transport, and others. We believe there is great potential to expand cooperation in this area and strengthen partnerships between universities, joint research initiatives and technology transfer. Botswana needs partners to establish science parks and innovation centers as well as expanding funding for startups and this is one area that China continues to excel in so we believe that presents an opportunity for collaboration.
