Mpeshe Selebalo

MASERU — There is a huge appetite for Lesotho products at the ongoing World Expo in Shanghai, China, according to a member of the local steering committee.

Michael Hones, who recently returned from China, told the Lesotho Times this week that Chinese investors had shown serious interest in local products exhibited at the Expo.

“Most of the products that people have shown much interest in are aloe products, handicrafts and other traditional attire products such as hats and leather products,” Hones said.

He said the interest had created huge business opportunities for small business operators who are exhibiting at the Expo, the first to be held in China.

The Expo was officially opened on May 6 and will run until October 31.

At least 230 countries and international organisations are participating at the World Expo.

Hones said the Asian market had shown interest in minerals such as diamonds and aloe products.

He added that investors from the Asian continent were keen to invest in Africa.

“Chinese investors are keen to invest elsewhere,” Hones said.

“I think the investment promotion seminar to be held in July is going to be very successful.”

The government will on July 27 hold an investment promotion seminar to run parallel with the Expo as it steps up efforts to lure investors.

Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili is expected to speak at the seminar.

Hones said the African pavilion where 42 countries from Africa are located was one of the most visited sites.

He said he expected local businesses to clinch major deals at the Expo.

Lesotho is exhibiting five product groups at the Expo — minerals, aloe products, wool and mohair products, water bottling and handicrafts.

The theme for this year’s Expo is: Better cities, better life.

At least 70 million people are expected to visit the Expo.

Lesotho participated at the last Expo held in Hannover, Germany, in 2000.