Tsogwane hails private sector's role

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane has commended the excellent relations that exists between the Government and the private sector.

Officially opening the Business Botswana Gala Dinner at Adansonia Hotel in Francistown, Tsogwane reiterated his government’s commitment to the Public-Private Dialogue which is carried out at different fora in the country.

‘’Government and the private sector have a relationship where we both strive for a competitive and thriving private sector that will transform the economy of Botswana,” a gleeful Tsogwane noted.

He hailed the private sector for a meeting last year, where the draft Pula Code of Conduct which is envisaged to be the guardrail for Public Interest Enterprises in Botswana was made.

“We were in the same city last year in October for the 16th Biennial National Business Conference to promote public private dialogue and exchange ideas on how government and the private sector can work together to achieve prosperity for all Batswana,” the VP reminisced at the networking session whose objective was to exchange ideas on how to propel the country to greater heights.

He underscored the importance of networking as critical for the private sector, regretting that an event similar to the Gala Dinner was held nine (9) years ago. He expressed his wish for the gathering to become an annual event. He said government values the role of the private sector in the socio-economic development of this country.

According to Tsogwane, the role of government is to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

In his welcome remarks BB president, Neo Ngwako highlighted key pillars he and the organisation intends to pursue vigorously in pursuit of a thriving private sector.

The pillars include advocacy enabled by research, stakeholder management in terms of building a strong national, regional and international collaborations, acceleration of digitalisation and innovation, revamping of the value proposition, enhancement of private sector competitiveness as well as the creation of market access.

Ngwako called on businesses to recommit to the conviction of having a private sector that leads and greatly contributes to the socio-economy of Botswana.

‘’We must work collectively to position Botswana as a vibrant investment and trade country, with increased exports both at regional and global markets,” the BB president advised.