Bereng Mpaki
A DELEGATION which includes three ministers has jetted to the ongoing World Expo Astana 2017 in Kazakhstan where Lesotho is among several countries showcasing renewable energy projects, cultural products and investment opportunities.
The expo which kicked off on 10 June 2017 and ends on 10 September this year is celebrated every three years and this year’s theme is ‘future energy’.
Lesotho’s exhibited products at the expo including energy saving products, artefacts and cosmetics.
And ministers, Tefo Mapesela (Trade and Industry), Chalane Phori (Small Business Development) and Mokoto Hloaele (Energy and Meteorology) will fly out tomorrow to attend the expo.
“The Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Tefo Mapesela, will travel to Astana tomorrow, Friday 28 July, and shall be leading a delegation comprising of Ministers, Mokoto Hloaele and Chalane Phori to attend the Lesotho National Day celebrations at the World Expo Astana 2017 on 31 July 2017,” reads part of a statement released by ministry of trade.
“The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Mapesela, will also have a meeting with Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce to deliberate on the business opportunities offered by the Kingdom of Lesotho.”
During the trip, Mr Hloaele is also expected to hold a press conference to highlight what Lesotho has done so far with regard to renewable energy sources.
“The objective of the visit is to utilise the World Expo Astana 2017 as a platform for demonstrating and sharing with the rest of the world what strides Lesotho has taken in optimising the use of renewable energy sources, as well as ensuring a more inclusive approach to more energy efficient livelihoods that are aligned with United Nations Sustainable Energy For All (SE4ALL) which advocates for energy for all.
“In view of this, the Government of Lesotho has developed the Energy Policy 2015-2025 which serves as a road map towards attaining access rate of 50% in energy by 2020 as called for by the National Vision 2020.
“The Minister of Energy, Hon. Hloaele is a seasoned technocrat in the field of energy, with an insight into, and a keen interest in the dynamics of the sector and as such may be regarded as an authority of distinction,” the statement adds.