21 Jun 2015

The Minister of Trade and Industry says to date other sectors of the economy are making a positive impact in the growth of the national growth domestic product.

Speaking at the official opening of the DHL head office, Minister Vincent Seretse said government launched the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) initiative to transform the economy from over reliance on a single economic growth sector.

“It is my singular honor to be among the DHL group to mark the official opening of their newly upgraded DHL corporate head office and commemorate the principles of growth, development and commitment of such a noble cause,” he said.

He said government is grateful for such organisations that make a difference in the national economy while at the same time making significant contributions to the lives of many Batswana.

He indicated that transport logistics is a globally competitive services sector which has a growth potential through a vibrant and globally competitive market led by the global private sector.

He said this can be achieved by developing goods and services that comply with local and international standards, develop an entrepreneurship culture for business growth and enhanced citizen participation in the economy.

Mr Seretse said achievement of these will ensure the noble aspirations of employment creation, wealth creation, poverty eradication, industrialisation and economic development.

He explained that DHL continues to be a key contributor to the economy and a key partner in the communities of Botswana.

“At present the company creates opportunities for local communities through a network of 13 agencies across Botswana and as a result DHL directly employs over 50 people and indirectly employs over 300 people through the retail partners and partner agencies,” he said.

The minister further said through the agency model, DHL has appointed local companies to be their agents and collection points across Botswana, adding that DHL has also partnered with over 120 retail partners in the country for the provision of similar services as well as to further extend its footprints to various areas across the country.

“I am informed that over P10 million was invested in the upgrading of the facility and that the facility boasts of offices, storage space and other features relevant technological enhancements pertinent to a conducive business working environment for a competitive service delivery and improved customer satisfaction,” said Mr Seretse.

He observed that what is impressive about the upgrade of the facility is the P2.2million conveyor belt plus accessories which forms the core of the direct loading system.

“Complimentary to the loading facility is the retro-fitted vehicles, state of the art security which ensures that customers’ assets/shipments are protected,” he said, adding that by investing in this infrastructure, DHL has ensured that its business processes become optimised and are now poised for enhanced productivity and efficiency through quicker sorting and more streamlined package management systems.

For his part, Managing Director of DHL, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Charles Brewer said Botswana has a stable GDP progress and has a friendly business environment.

“Botswana is a fantastic location to invest in and its people should be very proud of their country,” he said.

Mr Brewer said their short term opportunity in Botswana is to help accelerate the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We want to help connect SMEs to the global world and this will stimulate growth in the economy,” he said, adding that DHL is looking to invest in the SME sector.

He indicated that next week in Johannesburg they will train facilitators who will then come back to Botswana around August to roll out the Certified International Specialist (CIS) programme to SMEs free of charge.

“This will be a programme that will teach SMEs how to take their businesses global,” said, adding that there is still a lot to be done by Botswana to have a stable and healthy economy.

Mr Brewer said it has been statistically proven that when a country becomes more open and connected to the rest of the world, chances of it being successful increase drastically. He added that when goods, services and people can move around freely and on time everything falls into place.

“Things like people getting their visas on time and fast, goods coming into the country freely on time will go a long way in making Botswana competitive,” said Mr Brewer, adding that the country should revise having their borders open 24hours. ENDS