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Botswana: Francistown Seeks Closer Chinese Ties
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The Voice (Francistown)
29 April 2008
Posted to the web 29 April 2008
Baleseng Batlotleng
Francistown
Botswana and China have signed a number of economic and social agreements which signify growing relationships between the two countries.
Vice Mayor of Tai'an City in Shendon Province in China, Mr Lin Huayon, who is heading a Chinese delegation on a two-day official visit to Francistown said China is open and friendly to developing countries in Africa.
Speaking at a courtesy call to the City of Francistown Mayor Mr Buti Billy, the head of the delegation Mr Huayon said due to increased economic integration which was propelled by increased trade and investment people should be seen to be working and living together in a global village.
"It is our pleasure to be experiencing this borderless relationship with Botswana as Chinese people," said.
He said sharing of goods, services, cultures and knowledge was top priority towards developing countries by the Chinese government.
Mr Huayon said countries, which have had faster economic growth had been able to improve the living standards and reduce poverty amongst its citizens.
China had reduced the number of the rural poor from 250 million to less than 30 million in a period of two decades, he said.
For his part, Mr Billy said people living in a global village did not need to identify with a certain culture or area as there was a greater need for economic integration.
"Botswana has been learning from the Chinese culture of sound architecture and infrastructure. We are indeed showing a brotherly gesture towards each other as we also show our culture as Batswana to the Chinese people," said Mr Billy.
He said Francistown had benefited in a number of projects carried out by Chinese construction companies.
He cited the on going multi million Pula construction of the Francistown Integrated Sports Stadium and the Monarch and Gerald Estate upgrading infrastructure as projects carried out by Chinese companies.
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Mr Billy said they where also impressed that the University of Botswana was also to offer Chinese language in its curriculum.
While in Francistown the Chinese delegation is expected to visit Central, Satellite, Botsalano Parks and tour the Mambo Water Works.
On their last day, they will sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Tai'an City and the City of Francistown. BOPA
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