On 29th June 2020, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo gave a live interview with “The EYE” on Botswana National Television (BTV) and shared China's experiences in economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador Zhao said that with arduous efforts and huge sacrifices, the pandemic has been basically contained in China. At present, just like Botswana, China has entered a “new normal” of advancing pandemic control and economic development at the same time. With pandemic control as the precondition, China has been pushing forward the resumption of work and production in an orderly manner to maintain economic security and stability. Recent statistics has shown that with more positive factors, China's economy is regaining the momentum of growth, which gives confidence to global economic recovery.

Ambassador Zhao said that China and Africa have stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against COVID-19 since its outbreak. After the pandemic reached Botswana, as the first country to offer assistance, China has provided 6 batches of medical supplies and shared its anti-pandemic experiences without reservation. At the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to support Africa’s anti-epidemic efforts and explore broader cooperation with Africa in such new business forms as digital economy, smart city, clean energy, and 5G to help cushion the economic impact of COVID-19. China stands ready to work with Botswana to jointly implement the outcome of the summit by expanding cooperation in areas including agriculture, trade, tourism, infrastructure and ICT so as to support Botswana’s quick economic recovery.

Ambassador Zhao also answered questions on African debt issue, quality of projects undertaken by Chinese companies and Huawei 5G technology.

"The EYE” is a live interview program broadcast during prime time. This is Ambassador Zhao's second interview with BTV, which was highly acclaimed by the local audience.