Mosienyane urges execution of NBC resolutions
Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday September 14, 2016 15:44
He was giving welcome remarks at the top notch event that was held at the Adansonia Hotel from Monday. Mosienyane told captains of the industry who included cabinet ministers, CEOs of various private sector companies, senior government officials and parastatals that the resolutions of the conference will enable the stakeholders to overcome challenges and gain traction in improving the economy.
He appreciated the presence of the cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries alongside captains of industry and in particular, President Ian Khama.
“It’s only in bringing our minds, experience and resolve together in true partnership that we will be able to break through current challenges and take the Botswana economy to the next level. Together we must develop a world class business environment that will help grow the private sector and create much-needed jobs,” Mosienyane said to the applause from the conference attended by about 380 people.
Mosienyane indicated that, the fact that they invited a guest speaker from Mauritius on its own was a clear demonstration that Botswana takes itself seriously and was keen to learn from the very best.
“We are eager to hear what you have to share with us on the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and using it effectively to generate economic growth and employment. We are also especially interested in how our firms can be empowered to compete globally.”
He emphasised that the Botswana economy has few things in common with that of Mauritius as both countries are small, have open economies of about the same age, and have small populations.
On the flip side, Botswana’s growth was and remains dependent on diamonds while Mauritius diversified successfully away from its early dependency on sugar.
“We are eager to learn from Mauritius, which implemented its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) differently from us, and like China succeeded in creating and supporting ongoing hubs of economic activity,” he noted and indicated that Mauritius’ system of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) - a type of SEZ - created over 500 companies and employing close to 100,000 people in diverse manufacturing activities such as jewellery, printing and publishing, information communications technology, agro-industry, textile and clothing, electronics, precision engineering and plastics.
In Botswana, Mosienyane said the manufacturing sector is also critical to diversification.
He mentioned that in recent years they have seen the manufacturing sector make some inroads in the processing of diamonds polishing and jewellery.
He was however worried whether the industry really will be sustainable in the long term.
“The tourism sub sector like manufacturing can earn us foreign exchange after diamonds are gone and employ many. It has also made strides with an aggressive approach to its development,” he said.
BB vice president for north, Palalani Moitlhobogi encouraged the conference to celebrate the 50 years of independence for now and prepare for the next 50 years.
“We need to deliver as a collective and stop accusing each other,” he said indicating that coming up with practical and implementable resolutions to troubles bedevilling the nation was the way to go.