President Advocate Duma Boko says as Botswana ventures into cannabis production, a leaf can be taken out of Lesotho experience as it is advanced in the area of cannabis production and its export routes.
“Lesotho is effectively a leader and pioneer in that field with full value chain beneficiation of the product and positioning for exports while Botswana cannabis production is still at an infant stage. We are therefore, looking forward to collaborate and learn from Lesotho,” said President Boko during a courtesy call by Lesotho Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Matekane at the Office of the President on Friday.
President Boko said it was pleasing to note that the bilateral relations between the two countries dated back to the colonial era and were rooted in strong historical ties hence it was not surprising for the two countries to be working on a water project which was on the final feasibility study stage.
Upon completion, the project would benefit the country’s water supply particularly the Southern part as well as enable construction of the proposed five megawatt hydropower station which would be a great addition to the country’s power generation.
President Boko said Botswana looked forward with keen interest toward the implementation of the project, thus expressed optimism that Lesotho would be a good partner for its success.
“ I strongly believe that we have a good partner in Lesotho, as it has pulled off one of the biggest engineering projects in the design of its dams and we are grateful to have them on board in this water project,” he said.
He stated that both countries would explore other future areas of cooperation owing to the many affinities and opportunities of collaboration. Additionally, President Boko commended Lesotho for the success in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
“One of the areas that Lesotho has been successful on, is the ability to retrieve young people from the streets who were victims of drug addiction. The boot camp has rescued many and gave them a new lease of life therefore, we also look forward to collaborate on such projects,” he said.
In reference to bilateral relations, President Boko stated that Botswana and Lesotho long established diplomatic relations, way before the so called definition of the nation’s states post-independence. He highlighted that the relations between the two nations were deeply rooted in the cultural similarities.
Prime Minister Matekane, on the other hand said the existing bilateral relations between Lesotho and Botswana provided an enabling environment for investors from across both countries to widen their business ventures and further enhance economic relations.
“There is no doubt that the private sector is the engine of growth for both countries respective economies to prosper and it is on the backdrop of such that the relations between the two have created an enabling environment for private sector led cross border investments to thrive,” he said.
Mr Matekane said there were various sectors the business communities between the countries could collaborate on, such as the Lesotho citrus fruits industry. He reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to continue engaging with Botswana on developmental issues that affected economic cooperation between the two countries.
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity granted to us to explore the beef industry and how to master it,” he said.
Mr Matekane highlighted the need to increase economic cooperation through promotion of trade relations that could benefit both nation’s citizenries.
“Lesotho already produces quality car leather seats for various models while Botswana on the other hand have plenty of cow leather, therefore the leather can be exported to Lesotho for mutual economic benefit,” he said.
Equally, he said Botswana possessed plenty of beef while Lesotho had mutton which presented trade opportunity in that aspect. Mr Matekane therefore, asked for the establishment of regular cultural exchange forum and food exhibitions between the two nations.
