Ambassador shares tips on China
Urges Batswana to not just attend China expos to buy but to forge partnerships with exhibiting companies
One of the key insights that Dr. Batlang Serema, Botswana’s Ambassador to China has gained and wishes to bring back home is the remarkable potential for job creation through the way the Chinese have commodi ed their history and culture.
Serema mentioned that as part of his strategy to promote Botswana, he aims to diversify the focus to encompass various aspects, including products and cultural elements. Re ecting on his experience as an ambassador, he emphasised the signi cant role of culture and history, not just in tourism but also in business.
He elaborated on how China has e ectively capitalised on its history and culture, both for domestic and international markets, with a thriving internal tourism sector catering to its citizens. He emphasised the need for Botswana to similarly leverage its cultural heritage and history for economic growth.
Dr Serema recalled the government’s postCOVID e orts to stimulate change, with President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi actively promoting involvement in sectors like tourism, mining, and value chain production. is concerted effort seeks to foster economic diversi cation and prosperity for Batswana. Serema emphasised the strong and mutually bene cial relationship between Botswana and China, underscoring the shared objective of maintaining cordial and robust ties for the welfare of both Chinese and Batswana citizens. He highlighted the valuable lessons that Botswana can glean from China, particularly in the realm of technology, noting the remarkable advancements witnessed not only within China but globally. Dr Serema a rmed that Botswana stands to benefit significantly from Chinese technological expertise, citing examples such as the remarkable advancements in automotive technology over the past decade. He revealed ongoing discussions with Chinese automobile manufacturers regarding potential investments in Botswana, with a focus not only on manufacturing but also on establishing partnerships aimed at skill transfer to Batswana. He stressed the broad scope
of potential collaborations, spanning electric vehicles, tractors, buses, sedans, motorbikes, and beyond. He mentioned that while negotiations show promise, it’s important to acknowledge that these discussions take time to progress.
“We have reached out to our principals to advance to the next stage,” he added. Regarding the opportunities for education and employment for Batswana in China, Serema expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of Batswana learning the Chinese language and pursuing postgraduate studies in various elds. He noted that some individuals, upon completing their undergraduate studies, continue to advance their education, with Chinese universities now o ering sponsorships
to Batswana students, some even reaching the level of PhD.
He expressed his optimism and desire for more Batswana to secure employment opportunities in China, recognising the bene ts it brings in terms of acquiring foreign currency, which would ultimately contribute to the development of Botswana. Dr Serema also encouraged Batswana to explore travel opportunities, particularly emphasising the importance of attending expos.
He highlighted the potential for attendees to establish partnerships with exhibiting companies, rather than solely focusing on purchasing goods. He suggested exploring methods that could generate more job opportunities domestically. While discussing Botswana’s international engagements, Serema highlighted China’s prominent role, citing the country’s robust bilateral relations with Botswana across various sectors such as trade, tourism, agriculture, and technology. He noted China’s abundance of modern agricultural equipment, which could bene t Botswana’s small- scale farmers.
Serema also noted China’s advancements in digital technology, mentioning the prevalence of Chinese products in Botswana, including those found in Gaborone’s China town, which o ers various goods like clothing, food, and cosmetics.
Furthermore, Serema discussed a new paradigm emerging in Botswana, inspired by President Masisi’s vision and the strategic framework of the Reset Agenda.
This new approach advocates for not only importing products but also creating value chains within Botswana, aligning with the country’s aspirations for self- su ciency and economic growth.
He urged Batswana who travel to China for various purposes to reach out to the Embassy so that proper due diligence can be conducted. It’s crucial to verify backgrounds and product standards before engaging in trade, whether domestically or internationally. China o ers both high- quality products and reputable companies, but it’s essential to ensure compliance with standards. Contacting the Embassy allows access to resources for veri cation; where assistance is unavailable, appropriate guidance will be provided. Additionally, Serema highlighted the availability of assistance not only from their Embassy but also from counterparts in the Chinese Embassy in Gaborone.
He expressed surprise at times when Batswana seek assistance for matters readily available in Gaborone, necessitating referral to the appropriate sources.
According to Dr Serema, approximately 305 Batswana are registered through the Embassy’s citizen registration platform, while an estimated 500 Batswana are believed to reside in China. He encouraged Batswana to register with the Embassy, extending the call to those residing in other areas under their coverage, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Pakistan.