AID grant to the Botswana Development Corporation to assist in business development and investment

Investment promotion activities will focus on financing three types of business linkage trips: (1) up to three trips for Batswana entrepreneurs to U.S. or international trade fairs; (2) trips to Botswana for 10 representatives of U.S. trade associations; and (3) in-country costs for visits to Botswana by up to 15 potential U.S. investors. In addition, two long-term advisors will help BDC to mobilize foreign and local capital and to increase private ownership in BDC-affiliated companies; conduct 40 feasibility studies and sector analyses on a cost- sharing basis with potential investors; and assist 20 firms with employee training. BDC and the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry,and Manpower (BOCCIM) will co-sponsor a study of the export potential of Botswana-based industries; results will be disseminated through press releases and public discussions, with the eventual goal of incorporating major recommendations into law. Finally, the grant will finance short-term academic training for 15 private sector participants in areas such as business management, private sector policy formulation, banking, and domestic and foreign investment, as well as Master"s level scholarships for two BDC or private sector association personnel in policy analysis, business management, or economics. subjects.