BEMA, FIEO INK COLLABORATION DEAL

Botswana and India’s bilateral trade relations have been cemented after the two countries’ apex export oriented organisations forged a collaboration.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO), set up by Ministry of Commerce in India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Botswana Export Manufacturers Association (BEMA), last week.

The MoU come after BEMA hosted a ‘Buyer -Seller Meet with Indian

Delegates during the Multi-Product Indian Business Delegation Visit’ in conjunction with BITC.

“We had low expectations (on Botswana) but our views have changed, the interactions with the people was so genuine,” FIEO Vice President Khalid Khan, citing that business between the two countries has to grow.

“Bilateral trade business has to happen, it has to be a win- win for both countries,” said Khan. The two organisations said the MoU is an important step to prop up trade, as economies come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a good start as we move the dialogue forward,” said Khan, revealing that the Indian delegation identified opportunities in pharmaceuticals and textile industry in Botswana.

Khan further said the relationship of the two organisations will cut off the middle-man and make the value chain more productive for Botswana. The Vice President of BEMA, Fazul Zahir, says through the MoU, Botswana can leverage on India’s prowess in technology, human capital skill and raw materials supply.

“The kind of technology India has is very appropriate for Africa,” said Zahir, adding that entrepreneurs can select what is best suited for them.