Indians seek Botswana business links

KEIKANTSE LESEMELA
Correspondent | Monday April 29, 2013 00:00

Speaking at a networking session themed, 'Leaders of Industry Speak' in Gaborone last week, India Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (IBCCI) Chairman, Gopal Addanki, said that time has come to take advantage of resources in both India and Botswana for economic prosperity on a win-win basis.

'Many Indian delegations have visited Botswana to look for opportunities and a few of them have already started their groundwork to establish their businesses here. 'IBCCI is also working on a number of events to encourage Batswana to be involved in business activities, including exploration of joint venture projects and trade links,' said Addanki.

The delegation comprised businesspeople from trade, banking and manufacturing sectors. IBCCI's goal is to act as a platform to create an investor friendly environment in Botswana, by providing services as a link between the business community and Government.About 125 people attended the session, of which 80 were IBCCI members.

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) sponsored the networking session.Choppies chief executive officer (CEO), Ramachandran Ottapath, said India could  help Botswana develop her agricultural sector as the Asian country is self-sufficient in food production.'More than 25 percent of the world's arable land is in Africa but it constitutes only 10 percent of the world's agricultural output. This is where India's connection with Africa is going to be important,' said Ottapath. Business ties between Botswana and India have been growing steadily over the years.

Four Indian diamond cutting and polishing companies have also set up shop in Botswana as DTC Botswana Sightholders.On the other hand two banks have expressed their intentions to open branches in Botswana.