What are the major sectors in Botswana that can attract investment from Indian businesses?

Sectors available for investment are in education, mining, agriculture and health. We are seeking mostly companies that can manufacture products as import substitution, carry out value addition activities that will generate profits for the companies as well as creating employment for the people of Botswana. This includes crop production, horticulture, food processing, training institutes and manufacturing and packaging of pharmaceutical products.

On the cultural front, what kind of exchanges have we had in the recent past?

There have been abundant cultural exchange activities between Botswana and India in recent years. The exchanges are covered under the Cultural Exchange Agreement between the two countries. Cultural troupes from Botswana have performed in India, including a trip by Diwetse Traditional Group in May 2017 which had performances in three cities in India showcasing Botswana art and culture through dance. While at the same time in May 2017, Bhangra Folk Dance performance by Rangla Punjab troupe from India – showcased Indian culture in some cities in Botswana.

What are the high-level delegations that have visited both countries in the last few years?

Botswana and India exchange high level visits on a continuous basis. To name a few:

The Honourable Shri Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs, India, undertook a visit to Botswana in August 2016.

In 2015, the Vice President of Botswana, His Honour Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi led a delegation to the 3rd India-Africa Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi In New Delhi.

The Assistant Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Hon. Phillip Makgalemele visited the Barefoot College in Tilonia village in the State of Rajasthan, India in February 2015. The Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Sadique Kebonang, led a delegation to Chennai, India February 2015, to benchmark on the proposed setting up of a Leather Park in Lobatse. February 2014, the Minister of Agriculture Hon Christian De Graaff attended the Asia-Africa Agribusiness Forum in New Delhi, India

Is Botswana engaging with India on any of its Mission Mode projects, such as Smart Cities, Make in India, Clean Ganga and Digital India?

Yes Botswana is indirectly involved in some of the initiatives such as the Make in India, which opens up India to international commerce. I have already shown how India and Botswana are trading and investing with Indian companies repatriating their profits annually from Botswana while helping provide services and creating jobs to citizens of Botswana. The record profits are obviously invested in the Indian economy to drive the Make in India Initiative into a reality. On other initiatives, Botswana commends India for making their cities smart to bridge the digital divide and for protecting its environment through the Clean Ganga Initiative.