23 Jun 2015

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse, will attend the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) and Joint ACP – European Union (EU) Ministerial Trade Committee meetings from June 24-26 in Belgium.

A press release from the ministry stated that the meetings would consider the state of play in the ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) negotiations. The meetings will be preceded by the ACP Regional Organization’s follow-up group on EPA.

It further says the ministers will consider implementation issues for EPAs and Interim EPAs as well as trade related issues between parties.

Minister Seretse, who is the coordinator of Southern African Development Committee (SADC) is expected to provide update to other parties on EU-SADC EPA negotiations.

In addition, he will also advance Botswana’s position on other trade related issues within the agenda of the meeting, says the release.

He will then head to Johannesburg, South Africa where he will attend the Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on June 29.

The minister will be accompanied by permanent secretary Ms Peggy Serame and chief negotiator, Mr Phazha Butale. Minister Seretse is expected back home on 30 June. Ends