The “Botswana-China Business Forum” was successfully held on June 12, 2025, at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Hunan Province. Sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana in China and organized by Ansheng International Business (Beijing) Co., Ltd., the forum took place alongside the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. The forum brought together high-level Botswana government officials, as well as representatives of Botswana and Chinese enterprises and experts in multiple sectors.
The guests included the Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr. Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Water and Human Settlement Mr. Ramogapi Onneetse, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana in China Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, Chairman of China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd Mr. Ma Jie, Chairperson of Ansheng International Business (Beijing) Co., Ltd Ms. Yang Tingting, CEO Mr. Zhang Liqiang, President of Business Botswana Mr. Nwako Neo Shea Patrick，Director International Business of Botswana Investment and Trade Center(BITC) Mr Dipopego Julius Tsheko, Director of Investment Promotion of Botswana Investment and Trade Center(BITC) Mr Kabo Tony Sebele. Representatives from Botswana and China carried out in-depth exchanges on bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Photo | Speech by Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, the Ambassador of Botswana to China
In his speech, the Ambassador of Botswana to China Dr. Batlang Comma Serema mentioned in his speech that Botswana is known for its strategic location in Southern Africa and its strong commitment to good governance. He added that it is a strategic destination with a wealth of investment and partnership opportunities that can drive sustainable development the Chinese investors.
Photo | Speech by Dr. Phenyo Butale, the Minister of International Relations
Dr. Phenyo Butale, the Minister of International Relations, gave a keynote speech in which he said that President Duma Gideon Boko outlined in the State of the Nation Address a comprehensive program prioritizing equitable development, economic diversification, and open governance. This program is extremely aligned with China's vision.
Photo | Speech by Mr. Ramogapi Onneetse, the Minister of Water and Human Settlement
The Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr. Ramogapi Onneetse, highlighted the opportunities for water infrastructure and housing units in Botswana. He encouraged more Chinese companies to join the modernization of Botswana infrastructure.
Photo | Speech by Mr. Tiroeaone Ntsima, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship
The Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr. Tiroeaone Ntsima spoke high of the previous China-Africa Trade and Economic Expo and highlighted China’s financing and support to multiple strategic projects of Botswana. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between Botswana and China in 2021 signaled a great deepening of the bilateral relations. Botswana is expecting broader cooperation with China in the sectors of ICT, digital transformation and the trade of key commodities.
Photo | Speech by Mr. Ma Jie, Chairman of China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd (CNEE)
Mr. Ma Jie, Chairman of China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd (CNEE), gave a remark as a representative of Chinese central enterprises. He said that CNEE has consistently championed the principle of 'extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits' and would like to expand its cooperation with Botswana in energy infrastructure, industrial and livelihood projects, technology transfer and talent development. Consistent with our unwavering commitment, CNEE pledged to fulfill all project obligations in Botswana to the highest standards, with utmost responsibility and superior quality.
Photo | Speech by Ms. Yang Tingting, the chairperson of Ansheng International Business (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
Ms. Yang Tingting, the chairperson of Ansheng International Business (Beijing) Co., Ltd., delivered a speech as a co-organizer and emphasized that Ansheng International would continue to utilize its resources in international business, cross-border e-commerce, and China-Africa exchanges. She also emphasized that Ansheng International would support the promotion of the Botswana National Pavilion as a symbolic project of cooperation between China and Botswana, as well as support Chinese companies going abroad.
Photo | Presentation by Mr. Dipopego Julius Tsheko, director of the International Business of Botswana Investment and Trade Center(BITC)
Followed by a presentation by Mr. Dipopego Julius Tsheko, the director of the International Business of Botswana Investment and Trade Center(BITC). He made a overview of doing business in Botswana.
The forum featured a special session for Chinese companies introduction, during which Mr. Zhou Zichao, Director of Business Development of China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. and Ms. Li Jing, General Manager of Project Development Department of Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd. made their presentations.
Photo | Presentations by Chinese Companies
China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. highlighted its experience with energy and electricity, infrastructure and international trade, as well as its progress in African countries. The company is coordinating with companies affiliated to the same group as CNEE to develop the medical care sector in Africa and promote comprehensive cooperation in medical equipment and services. Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of medical imaging equipment, showcased its innovations in digitizing medical services on the continent.
Photo | Panel Discussion
During the panel discussion, guests from Botswana and China shared their insights on infrastructure construction, energy development, healthcare, and investment promotion. There was a broad consensus that Botswana and China are highly complementary and have great potential for cooperation. They agreed that a win-win situation could be achieved through broader and deeper cooperation in more extensive fields.
Photo | Dr. Phenyo Butale, the Minister of International Relations, signs the Protocal of Exporting Beef from Botswana to China
Photo | Mr. Tiroeaone Ntsima, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Awarded the Supporting Letter of Botswana National Pavilion to China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd
During the forum, the Minister of International Relations of Botswana officially signed the Botswana Beef Export Protocol on behalf of the Botswana government, marking the entry of Botswana's high-quality beef into the Chinese market. This opens a new chapter in agricultural and food cooperation between the two countries. The awarding of supporting letter of the JD Botswana National Pavilion was also held, during which the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship granted China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd the exclusive rights to operate the Botswana National Pavilion. This is the first time that the Botswana government has officially supported a Chinese enterprise to establish an online store to promote made-in-Botswana products in China, which marks a significant advancement in China-Botswana cooperation in e-commerce and brand promotion.
Photo | Speech by Professor Goemeone E J Mogomotsi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship
Professor Goemeone E J Mogomotsi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, delivered the closing speech for the Forum. He spoke high of this forum and expressed his hope that it would encourage more Chinese enterprises to enter the Botswana market.
Photo | Group Photo
The forum further solidified the foundation of the economic and trade cooperation between Botswana and China, providing Chinese enterprises with new opportunities in the African market. In the year marking the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Botswana and China expanded their cooperation and elevated their bilateral relationship.
