Gaborone — Botswana, almost entirely reliant on mineral exports, has put emphasis on export promotion initiatives to attract investors and tourists in an attempt to diversify the economy.

Botswana, which exports most of the world's diamonds, boasts a highly skilled work force, and has relaxed tax and foreign exchange regulations.

The Botswana Export Development an Investment Authority (BEDIA) said that several events had been organised to promote investment in these sectors.

BEDIA director, Sekgowa Masire-Mwamba, said a recent expo in Japan was highly successful and that a similar expo would be held in London a the end of this month.

The country was hoping to promote various sectors, including chemicals and cosmetics, agricultural and industrial machinery, textiles, glass manufacturing, meat, leather, ICT and development financial institutions, said Mwamba.

The director added that marketing other products would increase investments, tourists and inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship while integrating Botswana into global trading.