India to step up bilateral trade with SACU

India is looking forward for enhanced export of services relating to Information Technology and Construction industry to Botswana as part of its efforts to increase bilateral trade with that country. This was stated by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri EVKS Elangovan at an interactive meeting with the visiting President of Botswana, Mr. Festus G. Mogae early June in New Delhi.
The Minister said that India was keen to share its knowledge and experience in the field of information technology with developing countries like Botswana so as to develop a sustained partnership in technology transfer and development. He said that India would be happy to be
associated with the diversification of the economy of Botswana especially in the fields of agriculture, textiles, health, tourism, development of small and medium enterprises and institution building for channelising development finance to the entrepreneurs. Observing that Botswana is known for its sound management of rich natural resources, the Minister called for efforts to further strengthen economic cooperation and trade partnership.
Shri Elangovan said that India and South African Customs Union (SACU) are working towards finalizing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) which would provide further opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade between India and Botswana. He added that Botswana has been given high priority under the "Focus: Africa" programme of the government to increase its trade in the region.