Strengthening Sister-City Ties and Expanding Cooperation in Agriculture, Technology and Tourism
Chongqing, 24 December — The Botswana – Chongqing Investment and Cooperation Roundtable was held on 24 December in Chongqing China，The meeting brought together representatives from Chongqing’s commercial associations and local enterprises with the Botswana delegation to explore cooperation opportunities in agriculture, industrial investment and tourism.
The meeting opened with remarks by Mr. Luo Qiang, Vice Chairman of the Chongqing Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. He noted that Chongqing, as the only municipality directly under the Central Government in western China and a key national central city, has developed a strong industrial base and an increasingly open economy. He expressed the city’s willingness to deepen practical cooperation with African countries, particularly with Botswana.
Mr. Miles Nan, Presidential Envoy and Special Advisor for Trade and Investment Affairs (Asia-Pacific) of the Republic of Botswana, and Asia Commercial Director of Business Botswana (BB), delivered a comprehensive presentation on Botswana’s investment environment, policy framework and priority sectors. He highlighted Botswana’s political stability, sound legal system and investor-friendly climate, and encouraged Chongqing enterprises to visit Botswana to explore cooperation in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism and related industries.
Mr. Nan further highlighted the policies and investment opportunities offered by Botswana’s Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), noting that the special economic zones provide a competitive platform for manufacturing, value addition and export-oriented industries.
It was noted that the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a sister-city relationship with Chongqing several years ago. Mr. Nan stated that Botswana is keen to build on this existing foundation of friendship by strengthening people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation, and by further advancing Botswana–China collaboration in economic, industrial and cultural fields for mutual development.
During the open discussion session, participants exchanged views on agricultural production, greenhouse technologies, tourism real estate, trade services and industrial cooperation. Preliminary consensus was reached on several potential areas of collaboration.
The meeting was attended by representatives from relevant Chongqing investment and commercial departments, representatives from Botswana, and delegates from 58 Chongqing enterprises and institutions. Participating entities covered a wide range of sectors, including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, import and export trade, medical research, environmental protection, agriculture, education and economic development promotion.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Nan and representatives of the Chongqing Commercial Federation agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism and promote follow-up exchanges and project matchmaking. Mr. Nan formally invited Chongqing enterprises to conduct on-site visits to Botswana. Many participating companies expressed strong interest, noting the significant complementarities and cooperation potential between the two sides, particularly in agriculture, high-technology applications and tourism development.
In closing, Mr. Nan extended an invitation to the Chongqing municipal government and business leaders to attend various trade fairs and exhibitions to be held in Botswana in 2026, in particular the Global Expo organized by Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC). He further emphasized that 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of Botswana’s independence, and warmly welcomed participants to visit Botswana, experience its culture and natural attractions, and join the people of Botswana in celebrating this historic milestone.
