Japan and Botswana may be on opposite sides of the globe, but the two countries have forged a strong partnership. Masahiro Onishi, Japan’s Ambassador to Botswana, discusses this partnership and cites Botswana’s investment appeal.
European Times: Can you describe relations between Botswana and Japan?
Masahiro Onishi: Botswana and Japan have had official diplomatic relations since 1966, but this partnership has become particularly strong since Japan opened an embassy in Botswana in 2008. In the past few years, travel between the two countries has been growing and Japan is proud of supporting Botswana’s technical development by providing hardware as well as Japanese expertise. Japan and Botswana share a belief in freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and Japan cherishes Botswana as a reliable partner in southern Africa. My responsibility as ambassador is to continue to strengthen this bilateral relationship, for example by working to attract more Japanese investors to Botswana. Botswana is a peaceful country that has avoided civil war and offers very favourable conditions for business. It also has a steadily growing economy, high per capita GDP, and is one of Africa’s most corruption-free countries. Japanese companies would greatly benefit by doing business in Botswana.
European Times: What are some of the projects Japan currently supports in Botswana?
Masahiro Onishi: Following Botswana’s adoption of Japanese Digital Broadcasting System that is the first to be introduced in Africa, Japan has been actively engaging in assisting Botswana with its smooth transition to the new System. Also, Japan provides technical assistance to the project for the establishment of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the border between Botswana and Namibia, which upgrades the efficiency of border crossings. Furthermore, Japan is undertaking the Jatropha bio-diesel project, which is expected to promote the diversification of the energy supply in a sustainable manner. In addition, Japanese embassy has a grant scheme, which provides grants for development projects proposed by such bodies as local government authorities and NGOs.
European Times: How about bilateral ties at the government level?
Masahiro Onishi: Japan cherishes its relationship with Botswana’s government. I personally have many close acquaintances in the government, including Cabinet members. Japan understands well the plans and goals of Botswana’s government. This is why the Japanese government is encouraging Japanese investors to seek opportunities in Botswana and to contribute to Botswana’s economic diversification and human-resources development.
European Times: What is your personal message to potential investors?
Masahiro Onishi: Ties between Japan and Botswana are strong and getting even stronger. I am excited to see more interest in Botswana, not only from Japan but from the global investment community as a whole.
