Kgosi Gaborone appointed the chairperson of BOCFA
Pini Bothoko | Monday March 27, 2017 16:39
BOCFA has been in existence for eight years now after it was established in 2009.
Officially opening the inauguration ceremony the executive chairman of BOCFA, Miles Nan hailed the cooperation of both nations that has brought great achievements to both countries over the years.
Nan said since its inception BOCFA has been committed to promoting exchanges and understanding among the people of the two countries.
He said over the years the association has also built a lasting friendship between the people of Botswana and China based on mutual understanding.
He said BOCFA has sponsored programmes, which informed Botswana people about China and vice versa through tours and special study groups amongst both countries. “BOCFA promotes cultural, commercial, technical exchanges with Chinese institutions and academics. Through our friendship we have seen some Batswana enrolled at China institutions to learn more about China culture and vice versa. This is what we call friendship,” Nan said.
Nan said BOCFA provides effective means to help its Chinese members adapt to Botswana culture, promote Chinese culture to the community and to enhance the involvements of its members on the community. He said through their cooperation China has helped Botswana in many ways like the building of schools, prisons, churches, giving out to the community to mention but a few.
For his part Kgosi Gaborone said he accepts with honour and humility a huge and historic responsibility to chair BOCFA.
He said the relationship between Botswana and China dates back many years in the relationship that has seen Botswana and China cooperating on many areas.
Kgosi Gaborone said the formation of BOCFA speaks volumes about the good spirit and great love that the Chinese people have about Botswana and Batswana as a whole.
He said the association demonstrates that the Chinese in Botswana are not just for their personal business and official agenda, as one would generally expect.
He said BOCFA initiative shows that the Chinese are transforming the relationship with Batswana to higher level that defines mankind beyond colour, creed, race and geographical boundaries.
“Batswana remain very fortunate to foster a friendly relationship with China so that as friends we can tap on China’s developmental agenda, exchange ideas on trade and dialogue on developmental issues. I urge all of us to take care and nurture this relationship,” Gaborone said.
Kgosi Gaborone pledged to work towards promoting good friendship between the two countries, where there is mutual understanding and cultural exchange between two nations.
The Chinese ambassador to Botswana, Zhao Yanbo said since its inception BOCFA has been playing an important role in enhancing the friendship between the two nations.
“I firmly believe that under the leadership of the new chairperson Kgosi Gaborone and with strong support by two governments and peoples, we will be able to elevate China-Botswana friendship to a higher ground,” Zhao said.
He stated that it is common efforts, participation and mutual support that will make China-Botswana cooperation more fruitful.