BEDCO gets video conference equipment

MASERU – THE Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation (BEDCO) received three sets of video conferencing equipment last Friday. The equipment was received from the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Economic Diversification Support Project (EDSP). The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Thabiso Molapo, handed the equipment to the Minister of Small Business Development and Cooperatives, Machesetsa Mofomobe. Dr Molapo described the equipment as a milestone in the development of small businesses. He said the donation comes at a time when the country is battling to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The equipment, Dr Molapo said, will help entrepreneurs to attend workshops and international expos to market their products and services. BEDCO’s chief executive, Idia Penane, said the equipment will help the corporation conduct workshops, training and engage stakeholders in different locations across the country. “The equipment will facilitate and host webinars and training for entrepreneurs,” Penane said. “The equipment will be used to livestream events and facilitate participation of entrepreneurs in virtual expos and exhibitions.” She added the equipment will also be used to provide real-time support as well as reduce costs associated with renting physical conferencing facilities, travel and per diems. Of three sets of equipment two of them have been installed at the BEDCO’s premises in Maseru and Mafeteng. The third remaining set of equipment will be installed today in Leribe. Mofomobe said the AfDB has once again demonstrated its true value as a development partner by providing the video conferencing facility. “There are socio-economic benefits that can be derived from using video conferences,” Mofomobe said. “Economically, significant benefits from this technology can be realized in the reduced cost of travel and subsistence allowance.” Mofomobe said the other factor is that video conferencing saves time. “Time is wasted on travel and making arrangements for meetings and conferences,” he said. “In a country such as ours and the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is very important.” The video conferencing equipment, he said, will significantly impact the way BEDCO has been doing business. “The technology will enhance communication with all the stakeholders thus reducing turnaround time and improving productivity,” Mofomobe said. He urged BEDCO and its stakeholders to take full advantage of this facility. Chaba Mokuku, the project manager of the EDSP, said the equipment is part of the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth by empowering small businesses with the right skills. Lemohang Rakotsoane