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China-Africa Trade Information Service
http://info.afrindex.com
China-Africa Trade Information Service
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China and Botswana have a four-decade-long relationship.Recently they came into the spotlight during a week of exchanges in the landlocked African nation.
Expressing admiration for China while addressing a small village meeting 50 kilometers from the capital, Gaborone, on July 26, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi said China can provide a benchmark for his country on economics.
His remark came shortly after a delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade - representing 70 businesses from such sectors as agribusiness, transportation, construction, energy, manufacturing and financial services - came to Botswana last week in search of trade and investment opportunities.
Unity Dow, Botswana's minister of international cooperation, said economic relations between the two countries remain a cornerstone of their longstanding ties. She said she recently led a delegation to China, where it was agreed that ties can be strengthened based on mutual trust and understanding.
China is one of the biggest importers of Botswana's diamonds, which are the African country's key export, buying more than $30 million in diamonds each year. Botswana, on the other hand, imports electronics and textiles worth more than $100 million from China each year. In addition, Chinese companies are the mainstay of Botswana's construction industry, with Chinese companies accounting for more than $60 million of the African country's manufacturing sector and creating more than 1,000 jobs.
In addition, a delegation from China Central Television came to Botswana last week. Botswana's government has proposed that CCTV help the country's Agriculture Ministry produce an agriculture television station, saying this focus on agriculture would help the country diversify its economy.
Botswana continues to have strong relations with China and the relationship will go further.Botswana will continue to learn from China, both politically and economically.
