Our business trips to Botswana at the beginning of 2020 are a part of our bigger effort to improve trade and investment between the two countriesJakarta (ANTARA) - With Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa Salman Al Farisi meeting several prominent officials and business leaders in Gaborone, Botswana, during a working visit, Indonesia continues its efforts to penetrate the market in Botswana. Ambassador Al Farisi had been visiting Botswana on a working visit to submit his credentials from the Indonesian Foreign Minister to the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a press statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, received here, Tuesday, stated.
“Our business trips to Botswana at the beginning of 2020 are a part of our bigger effort to improve trade and investment between the two countries,” said Ambassador Al Farisi in between his visit to Gaborone which took place on January 23 and 24.
In 2019, it is estimated that the trade volume between Indonesia and Botswana reached nearly US$1.1 million, indicating a 70 percent increase compared to 2018 when it was $640 thousand.
“With the challenging regional and global economy, this result is encouraging,” he added.
During his trip, the ambassador met with several ministers, including Minister of Justice, Defense, and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, during which both officials discussed collaboration potentials in the sector including joint capacity building programs and anti-money laundering efforts.
Furthermore, he had also met Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Unity Dow, in which the minister expressed her intention to improve people-to-people contact, especially through education. The Indonesian Ambassador welcomed the intention by explaining the opportunities for training programs, scholarships, and inter-university cooperation by utilizing the assistance through the Indonesian Aid.
He also discussed Indonesia’s potential and opportunities for cooperation with Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development of Botswana, Mmusi Kgafela, in which he reiterated Indonesia's commitment to participate in the development of Botswana, and that Indonesian construction companies are prepared to bring the latest technology, of international standards that have been recognized by the global market. (INE)
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Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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