Botswana opens export and investment office in Mumbai

source: Republic of Botswana (20/6/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 8 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


D1) 19/6/10: Botswana opens export and investment office in Mumbai

Underlining the economic theme of his visit, Vice President Mompati Merafhe yesterday inaugurated BEDIA's investment office in Mumbai, which are India's leading Financial and Industrial as well as Diamond processing metropolis.

'This is a clear demonstration of the excellent relations that Botswana enjoys with India, which are underpinned by mutual commitment to democracy, transparency and accountability,' Merafhe said on the occasion.

The Mumbai office is intended to serve as a one-stop-reference centre for Indian investors looking to do business in/with Botswana.

In his remarks, vice President Merafhe observed that since its inception in 1998, BEDIA has been a pioneer in the investment arena and carved a niche for itself in the world business arena by promoting competitive financial service opportunities enabling identify partners in and outside Botswana for business partnerships.

Merafhe will today end his four-day visit to India. He arrived in Mumbai Friday morning, after meeting with Indian leaders in New Delhi, during which two agreements on small, medium and micro enterprises, and science and technology were signed Thursday night.

On Wednesday, the Vice President also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between National Small Industries Corporation of India and Local Enterprise Authority of Botswana.

After arrival in Mumbai, the visiting leader met with select captains of industry in the morning, before having lunch with the Maharashtra Governor, K. Sankaranarayanan.

Merafhe also met with members of Indian film fraternity, hoping to woo them to take advantage of Botswana's beautiful environment.

He ended his official engagements this morning with a visit to the Mumbai-based Shrenuj diamond processing factory.

The Vice president is expected to arrive back in Botswana this evening. (BCIS w/IANS)

Below please also find Press Release from BEDIA:

Press Release: Botswana Export Development & Investment Authority (BEDIA) launch their presence in India

Ever since its inception in the year 1998, BEDIA has always been a pioneer in establishing supremacy in the investment arena.

Jun 18, 2010 - Mumbai, 15 June, 2010: Ever since its inception in the year 1998, BEDIA has always been a pioneer in establishing supremacy in the investment arena. BEDIA has demonstrated its commitment to promote investment in export-oriented activities by introducing their presence in India. They will provide information on available investment opportunities in Botswana and advisory services to prospective investors and purchasers of Botswana goods and services. Justifiably, BEDIA has carved out a niche for themselves in the international arena of business.

His Honour Lt. Gen. Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe, Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, today reiterated that BEDIA and International Financial Services Centre are promoting competitive financial service opportunities that will enable identification of partners in and outside Botswana for joint venture business partnerships

On the occasion of the launch of their operations in India, His Honour Lt. Gen. Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe, Vice President of the Republic of Botswana quoted "The opening of this office is a clear demonstration of excellent relations that Botswana enjoys with India, which are underpinned by mutual commitment to democracy; transparency and accountability. Thanks to the conveyance of values, our relations have continued to grow from strength to strength. "