Doing Business in Botswana 2012: Atlanta Experiences Great Success with Conference, Business & Investment Opportunities

Online, July 31, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Atlanta, GA (EnviGlobal.com) - On July 2021, 2012, Atlanta was graced with the presence of esteemed government officials including, the Honorable Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Botswana, Her Excellency Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States; conference host and recently named Honorary Consul General of Botswana in Georgia, Robert Shumake; and trade delegates from Botswana, Africa during two prestigious events in the city. The Doing Business in Botswana: Information and Access conference and dinner was held on Friday at the Loews Hotel; and Tea Time with the Ambassador: A Global Conversation on Women in Leadership was hosted at Miss Rebecca's House, Allen Entrepreneurial Institute. The prominent occasions designed to strategically leverage direct interaction with representatives at the highest levels of government and private companies was facilitated by prominent business and social entrepreneur, event chair Adrienne Lance Lucas, Chairman, Botswana, American Chamber of Commerce.

"I welcome the entire trade delegation to Atlanta as they explore opportunities for trade and investment. I am confident that your discussions with Atlanta-based businesses will lead to long-lasting partnerships of mutual benefit," comments City of Atlanta Mayor, the Honorable Kasim Reed.

More than 100 business delegates from Botswana who represent more than ten industry sectors including Health, Real Estate, Education, Banking and Finance, Diamond Mining, Transport, Non-Bank Financial Services, Innovation, and Tourism were in attendance at the conference. Representatives at the highest levels of government and private companies including the chief executive officers and managing directors of several private organizations participated. The visit to the United States is to increase awareness of the prosperous democratic country and build alliances with local businesses. With the establishment of the Botswana American Chamber of Commerce, the more than a dozen prominent match-making appointments yielding many soft commitments to do business can be tracked to ensure completion.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal sent a letter of support and a proclamation declaring July 20th "Botswana Day" in the city of Atlanta, sponsored by Atlanta City Council Member C.T. Martin and presented by members of the Atlanta City Council president, Ceasar Mitchell, along with Councilman Kwanza Hall. Remarks were provided by Fulton County Chair, John Eaves, who hosted His Worship Ephraim S. Maiketso, Mayor of Francistown. A few of the international business participants included Botswana Development Corporation Limited (BDC), Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), and BOCCIM. Sponsored by Signet, AGCO, and in partnership with Invest Atlanta, GlobalAtlanta, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Fulton County Economic Development, Cassius Butts with SBA, Alex and Ani, and Metro Atlanta Chamber, Botswana Day activities cultivated many new and empowering relationships between future business, government and philanthropic partnerships.

The missions of the historical events were met with a tremendous amount of success, given the amount of presentations made and proposals that have received serious consideration. Of the business endeavors presented, a preliminary joint venture of a mobile micro-finance network platform to deliver micro finance products and services throughout Botswana; preliminary establishment of the Botswana Arts & Music Festival, including several neo-soul entertainers as headliners; exploration of a joint business opportunity to facilitate the creation of new centers of wealth generation for the country of Botswana by developing and managing world class hospitality institutions; a world class medical school to be built; continued consultation of providing advanced level care to expectant mothers specializing in evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of wide range of complications; and hair care product distribution. Botswana not only showed up ready and willing to conduct immediate business transactions, but they ensured funding entities were in attendance to accelerate collaborative partnerships and advance projects.

Honorary Consul General Shumake enthusiastically states, "Get off the block! When the U.S. economy crashed, other places like Botswana were still thriving. WE have to think about doing more business in a worldwide platform, versus only focusing on your neighborhood block. Think Botswana!"

A most enlightening moment during the conference came when U.S. participants were provided the 2011-2012 international rankings for Botswana, which the country was rated between 1-3 in most categories including World's Best Countries and Global Prosperity. Tea Time with the Minister and Ambassador also yielded favorable mentions for women leading government and financial institutions in the country, such as Federal National Bank Botswana (FNBB), Botswana Life Insurance Limited, Botswana Pension Board and Tourism Organisation. Proceeds raised from the ladies tea go to benefit the KENO (Kid Entrepreneurs Need Opportunities) Foundation, which will benefit their July 31, 2012 youth mission trip to Botswana.

What attendees and observers are saying about Botswana Day 2012:

It is my ultimate hope that you have initiated productive conversations with our government and business delegates from Botswana who represent more than ten industry sectors, including health, real estate, education, banking/finance, diamond mining, non-bank financial services, innovation, and tourism. ~The Honorable Minister Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, Minister of Trade and Industry, Botswana

As Ambassador, I have a responsibility to educate the U.S. and the world about Botswana. I also have a duty to facilitate good relations between those with mutual interest. We count it an honor that the delegation has traveled here with a strong desire to engage in positive business and organizational relationships. ~Her Excellency Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States

As event Chairperson, I am pleased that the numbers of participants from the U.S. reached nearly 200, as we look to introduce and encourage the U.S. business community to participate and do business in Botswana. With the support of our partners at the city, county, state and federal levels, we are looking forward to the progress that will come in the future. As chairman of the BACC, our primary objective is to provide continuity and a continued resource point and facilitator for the 85+ individuals who traveled from Botswana to the U.S. and the next US delegation traveling to Botswana in November. ~Adrienne Lance Lucas, Event Chairperson and Chair, Botswana American Chamber of Commerce

I am honored to show my support for this unique international partnership opportunity that will open many doors for business in Botswana. ~Ambassador Andrew Young, Chairman, The Andrew Young Foundation

I know there is a tremendous opportunity to create jobs by improving relationships between Botswana and metro Atlanta. Botswana is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and can provide Fulton County companies a logical trading partner within Southern Africa, which is a dynamic and growing regional economy. These international relationships have the potential to increase jobs here and abroad, and that is why I am committed to improving our international presence as a county and as a region. ~John Eaves, Fulton County Chairman

Globally, we believe the continent of Africa is the final frontier for economic growth. Statistically speaking, the country of Botswana leads the continent with the highest GDP, a stable economy, the least corruption, and an educated workforce. Consequently, when you think of economic development in Africa, you should Think Botswana! This conference is the result of the on-going commitment to economic development by both Botswana and the United States. The offspring of this joint commitment is the Botswana American Chamber of Commerce (BACC). BACC will serve as both the beacon and bridge for international economic opportunities between Botswana and the U.S. ~Darren Coleman, Executive Director, Botswana American Chamber of Commerce

I felt very privileged to be in the presence of women who have such an impact on their economy, and the experience made me open up my mind as a global citizen. ~Moraima Ivory, Host, "The Mo Ivory Show", News & Talk 1380 WAOK Atlanta

For more information on Botswana Day 2012 and the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, please visit http://www.botswanaembassy.org/botswanaday2012/.

For all media inquiries, please connect via email to Press@EnviGlobal.com or phone at (678) 367-3117.

ABOUT THE BOTSWANA AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The Botswana American Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is the "bridge" uniquely positioned to leverage resources to promote international business development between the United States and Botswana. BACC fosters trade and investment between the United States and Botswana and serves as a key vehicle for information, access and strategic support of business development between the two regions.