GABORONE - The establishment of Atlas Copco in Botswana is expected to help the country diversify its economy through the mining and construction sectors, as well as strengthening the manufacturing sector.Speaking at the official opening of Atlas Copco on Thursday, the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Dorcas Makgato-Malesu said her ministry was prepared to support the South African company as it settles and establishes itself in Botswana. My ministry is committed to provide a conducive environment for you to grow as you help us diversify our economy, she said.

She further noted that by choosing Botswana as its investment destination, Atlas Copco will also create employment, which will in turn generate income for the local people. She assured the company that Botswana believed in transparent business operations.

The assistant minister applauded Atlas Copco for extending their business to Botswana, despite the much bigger population and market in their country of origin. While this may have provided you with a solid business foundation that side, you however decided to extend your business to Botswana, a thing we are deeply grateful for, she said.

Ms Makgato-Malesu noted that the company had come to Botswana at a time when the country had embarked on a number of infrastructural developments, which include the construction of Dikgatlhong Dam, the upgrading of some roads as well as the renovation of the international airport. She said the implementation of these projects would create a market for Atlas Copcos products and services.

For his part, Atlas Copcos Country Manager for Botswana, Mr Ronnie Van Der Nest said even though the company was opening new premises in Botswana, it has been in the country since 1991 where it was trading as Rand Air. He said through Rand Air, the mining construction and manufacturing industries in Botswana were exposed to Atlas Copcos range of compressors, mining and construction equipment.

In 2008, he said, Atlas Copco established a customer centre in Botswana that absorbed the business activities previously managed by Rand Air.

He noted that the new premises were an indication of the companys commitment to serving customers in Botswana as well as providing productivity solutions to various industrial enterprises in Botswana.

Atlas Copco, which has a staff compliment of 48, is a South African based company which deals in the sale, renting and maintenance of construction and mining equipment. BOPA