Mr. Mogae assured Indian investors that other issues such delays in giving licenses and other hindrances would be sorted out shortly. The Botswana High Commission and BEDIA offices would facilitate this process.
Indian industry spokesmen at the meeting echoed the President's sentiments on investing in Botswana. They felt the country's strategy to diversify its industrial base will make it an attractive destination for Indian business. Member of CII's Africa Committee K K Kapila lauded the President's announcement to set up an office of BEDIA in India.
“Bilateral trade is extremely low but can be increased because India is the hub of the diamond cutting and polishing industry,” he said.
In addition, CII suggests an integrated skills development programme for people from Botswana and will reciprocate the initiatives made by the country.
Botswana figures in the Government of India's scheme of things as well under its Focus Africa programme, said Chairman of Assocham's Afro-Asia Committee K K Jajodia. Botswana is an influential player in southern Africa and expediting the FTA between India and SACU will remove obstacles to Indian investment there. Indians have sizeable business presence in Botswana, owning a third of the trading houses in the country.
Reiterating Botswana's regional importance, as member of SACU, Member of FICCI's Africa Committee L H Dabi said Botswana is the world's largest supplier of rough diamonds to the world market, and India is the world's main processor of diamonds. “This sector opens vast opportunities for both countries to increase trade and investment through joint ventures all along the diamond chain.”
Other promising sectors are pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, agricultural products and equipment, water management systems, energy, textiles, automobiles and tourism, Mr. Dabi said.
Confederation of Indian Industry
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