Surat, November 19: A high-level business delegation from Surat, organized under the aegis of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), successfully concluded a visit to Gaborone, the capital of the Republic of Botswana. The visit, which took place from November 10 to November 14, 2025, coincided with the official visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to the African nation, thereby opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The delegation was led by Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi and included prominent industry leaders such as Brijesh Dholakia of Hari Krishna Group, Dr. Faruk Patel of KP Group, Robby Rajshekharam of KPI Green Hydrogen, Darshak Narola of Sri Ramkrishna Exports, Hitesh Shah of Venus Jewels, and Jayanti Savaliya and Rajat Wani from the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. Other key members included Gurmeet Singh Mann and Rakesh Shah of Taranjot Energy, Dinesh Dhankani of Liberty Group and Reghan Fashions, Milan Parikh of Jainam Shares, Deepak Sheta of Apple Lifestyle Industries, Krunal Mehta of Mehta Wealth, and Fenil Patel of Rayzon Solar. As per agency report, the delegation met with Ms. Tranquilnah Gabonthone, Executive Director of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), and other senior officials on November 11, where the BITC assured that they would serve as the primary contact point for Indian investors.
Discussions during the meetings covered a wide range of investment possibilities, including diamond and mineral processing, coal, copper, and soda ash mining, as well as solar and biofuel-based power generation. The Government of Botswana invited entrepreneurs from Surat to actively participate in the expansion of their mining sector. Furthermore, detailed presentations were made regarding the regulatory framework for non-banking financial institutions, interest rates, fintech innovations, and real-time payment systems. The Botswana Stock Exchange also provided insights into listing, funding, and fintech partnership opportunities for Indian companies.
The delegation held intensive meetings with the Okavango Diamond Company (ODC), KGK, and Diamond Kimberley Process institutions. These interactions resulted in a consensus to strengthen the India-Botswana diamond value chain, expand diamond trade, and enhance certification processes, training, and skill development. The Botswana government showed special interest in the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model, and both nations agreed to increase cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, defense, cyber security, and capacity building. A proposal for a Surat-Gaborone Twin City arrangement was also presented, encompassing collaborative aspects such as urban development, technology exchange, medical tourism, education, and regular business delegations.
The President of Botswana appreciated the Chamber delegation and assured Indian investors of safety and long-term partnership, while also encouraging Gujarati industrialists to consider opportunities in the tourism sector. During an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Gaborone, where President Murmu addressed the Indian diaspora, the delegation engaged in direct discussions with senior ministers and officials of the Government of India. Additionally, B2B meetings with local Indian industrialists focused on investment opportunities in retail, mining, construction, hospitality, finance, and renewable energy. The Chamber President also extended an invitation to the President and Cabinet of Botswana to attend the SGCCI Global Village 2026, scheduled to be held in Surat from January 24 to 26, 2026.
Following the visit, members of the delegation shared their insights at the SGCCI office in Surat. GJEPC Regional Chairman Jayanti Savaliya described the visit as historic for the diamond industry, noting the commitment received for direct rough diamond supply through ODC and the strengthening of institutional ties. He highlighted that the notification regarding the Surat-Gaborone twin city initiative and the appreciation of the GJEPC white paper served as a strong foundation for future cooperation. Deepak Sheta emphasized that the warm reception indicated potential for building a strong textile ecosystem focused on innovation and women's empowerment. Darshak Narola pointed out the extensive opportunities in diamond sourcing and beneficiation aimed at creating a transparent and competitive ecosystem.
Dr. Faruk Patel termed the visit a milestone for the KP Group, stating that the strategic alliance established with Botswana's top leadership has opened doors for multi-gigawatt renewable energy opportunities. Krunal Mehta mentioned constructive discussions with senior officials of Botswana's pension funds regarding increasing their investment allocation in India. Dr. Dinesh Dhankani presented a white paper on the Surat-Botswana Textile Corridor, outlining a path for sustainable industrial cooperation by combining Surat's expertise in man-made fabrics with Botswana's strategic location. Other members, including Rakesh Shah, Hitesh Shah, Fenil Patel, and Brijesh Dholakia, expressed optimism about the new opportunities in solar energy, labor facility improvements, visa simplification, and ethical diamond sourcing that emerged from the tour.
