Indian businesses seek opportunities in Botswana

GABORONE, Aug 13, 2007 (AFP) - Botswana President Festus Mogae met representatives of two Indian firms Monday, August 13th who expressed interest in investing in diamond and coal mining businesses in the African country.

The representatives of the two companies -- Rosy Blue Group and Torrent -- met Mogae, Energy and Water Resources Minister Ponatshego Kedikilwe and other officials.

Torrent chairman Sudhir Mehta told AFP his company was keen to invest 500 million dollars (367 million euros/248.2 million pounds) immediately in coal production after learning that Botswana has billions of tonnes of reserves.

"We want to mine coal here and ship it to India," he said.

"We also have keen interest in generating and distributing electricity in Botswana and we are ready to invest at least 500 million US dollars in the project as soon as possible."

Rosyblue chief executive Dilip Mehta said his company wanted to invest in jewellery and diamonds in Botswana.

The company would like to "establish diamond cutting and jewellery in Botswana as soon as possible," he said.