The Executive Director of  Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM), Mrs Maria Machailo-Ellis, the organisation’s president, Mr Modiri Mbaakanyi and the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mrs Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi at the 24th HLCC meeting in Gaborone yesterday. The HLCC consists of government leaders and captains of the private sector.
Photo: Tshoganetso Mokowe

By Tebogo Moisakamo

GABORONE - The business sector has been urged to position itself and support initiatives to reshape the economy of Botswana.
   Speaking at the 24th High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) meeting in Gaborone yesterday, the President, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, said Botswana had embarked upon a substantial number of important infrastructure and investment projects.
President Khama said some of these projects and initiatives were big and bold enough to reshape the economy of Botswana for the better.
  He however said the initiatives required massive injection of skills and capital by the private sector.
    “Our development is underpinned by adequate skilled manpower which should be developed by all stakeholders in the economy,” he said.
President Khama said the establishment of special “hubs” demonstrates the importance the government attached to these projects and initiatives for education, health, diamonds, transport and innovation.
“For the nation to derive maximum benefit from these important initiatives, government and the private sector must work together to achieve a solid public private partnership and increased highly effective collaboration,” he said.
The President said for efficient and effective implementation of these initiatives an enabling environment for the private sector must be created.
“I also expect the private sector to do much more in support of the change process, especially in areas such as innovation, staff training and skills development.”
President Khama said the appointment of an economic advisory council to advise on the required policy and other measures that would enhance Botswana’s international competitive position, recognised the importance of the private sector as a partner at a high level.
He called  for equal input and assistance by the private sector in new measures which were aimed at enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness.
He assured the business sector that government would efficiently and effectively implement all measures deemed necessary to successfully address the economic and social challenges facing the nation.
“Your suggestions will continue to be given due attention,” he assured
He reminded cabinet ministers and business leaders that his contract with the nation was underpinned and characterised by the principles of democracy, development, dignity and discipline.
“The principle of development means the improvement of the standard of living of Batswana through the continued provision of national infrastructure and education.”
President Khama said he regarded the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) meetings as important for the development of the country. He directed that in future all sectoral meetings should be held immediately after the HLCC meeting rather than shortly before the following HLCC.
“This is meant for implementing agencies to have sufficient time to act and then report on concrete steps taken to address issues at the next HLCC meeting.” BOPA