Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) – the premier trade and investment facilitator – said its dedication to sustainable development has significantly influenced the country’s economic landscape.
Over the past decade, BITC has taken a leading role in facilitating extensive trade, generating employment, and promoting economic diversification in the country, Chief Executive, Olebile Keletsositse said.
One notable project is the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project, described by Keletsositse as instrumental in job creation and economic diversification. Anticipated to generate over 1000 jobs, the initiative aims to establish a substantial horticulture presence across the 1200 hectares of land in the region.
Similarly, partnerships with companies like Kromberg & Shubert, and Irvine’s Botswana have facilitated the setup of manufacturing and feed production facilities, offering potential for hundreds of jobs and bolstering Botswana’s economic resilience.
BITC’s involvement in projects such as the Electric Cable Manufacturing Plant in Mogoditshane and the ongoing plans to export small stock to the United Arab Emirates market showcases the organisation’s commitment to promoting innovation and international trade.
“Our focus on diverse sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology aligns with the latest government direction outlined in the Presidential Reset Agenda,” he said.
“Over the decade under review, BITC also provided comprehensive assistance encompassing land and factory space access.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that BITC has streamlined processes for investor permits, licensing, clearances, income tax, VAT registration, utility connection, trade and business license applications, environmental impact assessments, compliance, investor aftercare services, and advocacy initiatives.
The CEO emphasised the significance of this robust support in addressing challenges like reduced government budget subventions, geopolitical pressures, and the post COVID-19 repercussions.
Moreover, BITC has actively collaborated with companies falling under the exporting and export-ready category.
“It has facilitated 80 companies in areas such as quality management system certification, fair-trade certification, export marketing plans, senior expert services, and trade missions,” said Olebile.
BITC says the success of the PUSHABW initiative is also noteworthy, involving 531 companies in product marketing, capacity building, and online marketing.
“This underscores our dedication to promoting local businesses on both domestic and international platforms,” he said.
As BITC continues to foster collaborations and advocate for competitive incentives and a conducive business environment, the CEO has said, their legacy of sustainable development projects stands as a testament to the parastatal’s role in shaping Botswana’s economic future.
