Gaborone — Botswana has proved through the successful hosting of the US-Africa Business Summit that the country is capable of handling world class events and has a credible investment climate.

This was expressed by Ms Carla Stone, the president of the World Trade Centre in Delaware state in the US, during a courtesy call on President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the Office of the President over the long weekend.

Ms Stone, who presented a tribute token from the Delaware House of Representatives, signed by all its members to President Masisi as an appreciation of Botswana's efforts and the business relationship being developed between the two, said Botswana's story was an enviable one of progress.

She said over the past week she was not only impressed with the hosting of the actual summit, but the presentation of Setswana culture, and how the diamonds for development story was told to the visiting delegates from the US and across the African continent.

Ms Stone said Botswana's prudent use of diamonds from being one of the worlds poorest and least developed countries at independence to investing in becoming a middle income state was an impressive one.

She said the state of Delaware, which was facilitating trade with Botswana, in partnership with the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) for direct investment through the Special Economic Zones Agency (SEZA) was pleased to be doing business with this country.

Welcoming his guest, President Masisi said he hoped Ms Stone would relay the positive sentiments she expressed about Botswana to US President Joe Biden, who originated from Delaware.

He said Botswana and the US had enjoyed cordial relations since independence, and the partnership had continued to grow strong over the years.

Dr Masisi said Botswana prided itself in trading in authentic natural diamonds, and that they had been wisely invested in the development of human capital and physical infrastructure.

BOPA