Gaborone, Botswana — Under the initiative of the Botswana–China Friendship
Association（BOCFA）, a delegation from the City of Gaborone visited Linyi, Shandong
Province, China, on October 20, 2025. During the visit, Gaborone and Linyi officially signed a
Sister-City Cooperation Agreement, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation between
Botswana and China at the municipal level. The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr.
Batlang Serema, Ambassador of Botswana to China and Mr. Miles Nan, Special Advisor and
Presidential Envoy for Trade and Investment Affairs of the Republic of Botswana (Asia-
Pacific)and Executive Chairman of BOCFA.
The agreement opens a new chapter of collaboration between the two cities in urban
development, economy, culture, and education, laying a solid foundation for long-term and
practical cooperation.
During their stay, the Gaborone delegation toured Linyi’s municipal projects, major industrial
parks, logistics hubs, modern manufacturing enterprises, renewable energy companies, and the
Linyi International Trade Center, gaining first-hand insight into the city’s advanced experience in
urban governance, industrial planning, logistics networks, and market clustering.
At the signing ceremony, His Worship Mr. Olebile Motlaleng, Mayor of Gaborone, remarked:
“This visit to Linyi has deepened mutual understanding and established a strong basis for future
cooperation. Gaborone is committed to sustainable urban development, infrastructure
improvement, and enhanced public services. Through our partnership with Linyi, we look
forward to sharing expertise and resources in trade, education, culture, and city management,
driving progress for both cities.”
The Mayor also reflected on Gaborone’s growth since Botswana’s independence in the
1960s—from a small settlement to a modern capital city known for its continuous investments in
transportation, public transit, cultural facilities, and green spaces, improving citizens’ quality of
life and the city’s attractiveness. He added that Gaborone will host the World Athletics Relays
next year, welcoming athletes and visitors from around the globe to experience the city’s vibrant
spirit.
In his remarks, Mr. Miles Nan emphasized:
“The establishment of sister-city relations between Gaborone and Linyi represents a key step in
Botswana’s efforts to deepen local-level cooperation with China. The Office of the Presidential
Envoy will continue to support both cities in implementing projects in investment, cultural
exchange, and educational collaboration, ensuring this partnership becomes a model of local
cooperation between Botswana and China.”
Mr. Sun Deshi, Vice Mayor of Linyi, warmly welcomed the Gaborone delegation and expressed
Linyi’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, industrial
development, and cultural exchange, working together to promote economic and social
progress in both cities.
Located in southeastern Shandong Province, Linyi is one of China’s most dynamic and open
cities, with a population of about 12 million and a total area of 17,200 square kilometers. Known
as China’s largest market cluster and logistics hub, Linyi hosts 136 specialized wholesale
markets, 60 e-commerce parks, over 3,000 logistics routes, 59 overseas trade centers, and a
comprehensive industrial base covering 38 major sectors. Its annual logistics volume exceeds
one trillion yuan, providing strong support for both domestic and international trade.
According to the agreement, both cities will advance concrete cooperation in urban planning,
economic investment, educational exchange, and cultural collaboration, with the goal of
expanding their partnership and fostering closer ties between their peoples.
The signing of the Gaborone–Linyi Sister-City Agreement not only deepens subnational
cooperation between Botswana and China but also builds a new bridge of friendship and
exchange between the two nations.