For Immediate Release-1/24/14

Contact: Pam Whiting, (816) 374-5481; e-mail whiting@kcchamber.com
Katie Erwin, (816) 374-5465; e-mail erwin@kcchamber.com

Learn how to do business with one of the fastest-growing economies on the planet

When it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Botswana was one of the poorest countries in Africa. Botswana is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with the fourth largest gross national income in Africa, and a fast-growing standard of living. The country, is a member of the African Union, has a strong tradition as a representative democracy and has the second highest Human Development Index of continental Sub-Saharan African countries.

On February 7, Her Excellency Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Botswana Ambassador to the United States, will lead a discussion of “Doing Business in Botswana, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the KC Chamber’s Board Room at Union Station. The agenda includes an economic brief from the Ambassador, as well as trade and investment updates from the Botswana American Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Consul Robert Shumake, and the U.S. Commercial Service.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Ambassador Seretse to Kansas City,” says Jim Heeter, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “Our World Trade Center ‘Doing Business With…’ series is one of the ways we’re connecting KC businesses to global opportunities.”

The session is a joint partnership between World Trade Center Kansas City (WTC-KC), the U.S. Commercial Service, and the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce.

Regina Heise, director of the U.S. Commercial Service office in Kansas City says that the “Doing Business in Africa Campaign helps U.S. businesses take advantage of the many export and investment opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. It harnesses federal trade promotion and financing capabilities to help U.S. businesses both identify and seize upon trade and investment opportunities, furthering the United States’ commercial relationship with Africa.”

Christal Watson, president & CEO of the Kansas Black Chamber of Commerce added, “I am overjoyed that Her Excellency has consented to visit our community and share her insights about the beautiful nation of Botswana, as well as our opportunity to access their burgeoning market.

“Having met Ambassador H.E. Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse,” she continued, “I am equally thrilled to bring her to Kansas City to launch our "Business Beyond Our Borders' inaugural series."

Register for “Doing Business with Botswana” at www.wtc-kc.com. Cost is $35.00, and includes lunch. Validated parking is available in the west parking garage at Union Station.

World Trade Center Kansas City is a partnership including the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KC SmartPort, and the Kansas City Area Development Council. Our thanks to WTC-KC Benefactor, Black & Veatch.

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