BCP 2014 Manifesto Draft Final

10. Foreign Affairs and
International Trade
10.1 Situational analysis
Botswana’s foreign policy lacks clarity and vision. The country’s influence in the
global community of nations is minimal, due mainly to five factors;
• Low profile and priority accorded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the
current government.
• The appointment to foreign missions of persons who neither have the interest nor
the competence in diplomatic relations.
• The indifference of the current Head of State towards participating in regional,
continental and global forums such as SADC, AU and UN.
• Pursuing an isolationist stance on matters of international relations.
• Adequate resources to facilitate the work of foreign missions.
International trade is characterised by uncoordinated international campaigns for
foreign investors that are not informed by the prevailing economic conditions in
Botswana. There is no clearly defined strategy with targets to attract the kind of
investor that is aligned with our developmental needs. No attempts are made to
assist the Botswana business community to expand beyond our borders.
10.2 Our Social Contract on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
We will position Botswana to become a responsible citizen of the world, cooperating
with international partners, actively participating in regional and international
organizations and promoting our trade interests in our dealings with the rest of the
world. The BCP shall;
• Constitute a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade with a view to
place trade at the core of our diplomatic relations. The appointment of officers
to our foreign missions shall be influenced by their ability to attract investors to
Botswana.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will also be responsible
for promoting Botswana businesses in international markets. Given the small
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BCP 2014-2019 MANIFESTO