Vice President Venkaiah Naidu visits diamond sorting centre, meets CEOs in Botswana

Naidu emphasised the role of the Indian community in Botswana’s economy and said he was happy to know that the firms have faced very few problems.

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Representatives of certain sectors did raise issues pertaining to problems in bringing Indian talent, logistical issues in importing construction material, a nascent aviation sector and sought stronger Indian high commissions and embassies across Africa.

After listening to the industry leaders, the Vice President mentioned that there is immense opportunity for pharmaceutical companies in Botswana and said that Indian companies can invest in the country. He added that agriculture and aquaculture too have vast scope in Africa and promoted the idea of taking land on lease for Indian farmers as the size of their farmlands had been decreasing.

He told the CEOs that during discussions with Botswana’s government over the last two days, he had brought up the idea of involving RITES in expanding the rail network of the African nation. He also raised the issue of work permits during his meeting with Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.

India, he said, has a “whole new set of opportunities that are opening up” and there cannot be “a better time than now to invest in India”. He invited them “to utilise this and invest in your motherland”.

“You are a living bridge connecting our two countries. The transformation in the India-Botswana relationship was largely led by the Indian community and the private sector, the two governments have only tried to keep the pace, reflecting your aspiration,” he said. Unlike China, Naidu admitted that India’s relationship with African nations has been led by the “capability” of the Indians who have decided to work or move here. Naidu also visited the Diamond Trading Company and was given a tour of the sorting facility. Botswana is the second largest diamond manufacturer of the world.