GABORONE — China and Botswana are mutually complementary in economy and have bright future in economic and trade cooperation, a Chinese economic diplomat in Botswana said.

Ma Lianxing, the Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese embassy in Botswana, made the remarks as the two countries will mark the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties in 2015.

China could provide Botswana with its needed products like daily necessities, industrial products, clothing, building materials at low price with high quality, while Botswana’s rich mining resources could meet China’s needs, Ma told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

“In the past, Botswana people could only buy one product or one piece of clothes with 100 pula, however, because of Chinese products, 100 pula could buy several goods, which largely improves livelihood of Botswana people,” a senior Botswana official was quoted as saying by the counselor.

The diplomat said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the economic cooperation and trade between the two countries have achieved great progress.

Ma pointed out that in the first half of 2014, Botswana has a trade surplus with China. China’s economic development has spurred on Botswana’s export.

The counselor also said Chinese engineering contractors make contribution to Botswana’s development. The projects developed by Chinese contractors cost less but have quality, which help Botswana save massive development funds.

For example, Chinese contractors have successfully built three dams in Botswana with high quality, including Dikgatlhong Dam, the biggest dam in the country.

The economic diplomat believed with the joint efforts of both sides, the trade and economic cooperation between China and Botswana would be largely promoted.