BITC rallies behind FCC investment forum
Patricia Edwin | Thursday May 8, 2014 12:17
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Francistown City Council (FCC) on Tuesday, BITC executive director Lonely Mugara said they were fully behind the initiative.
Mugara said that the Francistown region is motivated, focused and organised and that BITC shared the vision.
“It is always encouraging to see leadership initiative and showing passion towards investment and as BITC we are fit to run with this complex vision with an FDI strategy,” he said.
He said BITC was helping in organising the event to ensure all are in accord towards diversifying the economy of the region and that of the country.
Mugara said that BITC has been challenged a lot in the past because local authorities were not opening up.
“Local authorities were not easy to approach and now we do no not even have to pursue them, but we come to support an initiative that is already theirs and it is their vision. If you are not supported by leadership you are fighting a losing battle,” he said.
He appreciated the fact that the city is engaged in a profiling process of the market for locally produced goods. He said BITC has also started profiling of potential investors inland and offshore. He also applauded the city for moving towards branding of its local produce.
He also said that BITC was waiting for Parliament to enact a law that will allow BITC to facilitate and fast track issues of investment.
Mugara said that factoring on some of their experience they were sure that whatever they will come up with would be competitive.
“However, it is important to note that we are not competing against each other. We are not competing against South Africa. We are not competing against Africa. But we are competing against the world,” he said. Mugara was confident that they would deliver a premier event.