04 Aug 2015

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse says the ‘Doing Business Reform Roadmap and Implementation Plan’ is scheduled to be launched at the end of the month. 

The minister said this at the annual excellence awards ceremony which was held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre recently.

He said stakeholder consultations to facilitate the implementation of the approved reforms were completed, adding that in order to achieve organisational excellence, there was need for a robust structure that would enable the deliverance of the mandate.

He urged his staff to refocus on areas that include Economic Diversification Drive (EDD), citing land servicing, construction as well as tourism and agriculture development. 

“As we focus on these quick wins, it is imperative that we be more creative, innovative and re-invent the way we do business or provide our services to different customers,” he said.

Mr Seretse implored the workers to reflect on their achievement and identify areas where they could have done better and to set out what needs to be done to move the country to another level.

He said the primary role was to create a conducive environment for the development of sustainable industries in order to create wealth and employment.

“To reach this objective, we need to attract the best brains in the country to drive our programmes. We also seek to attract and promote domestic and foreign direct investment, citizen economic empowerment, entrepreneurship development as well as the export base,” said Mr Seretse.

He noted that as the ministry their mandate went beyond borders. He said his ministry played a critical role in the integration and overall international trade agenda, adding that their role in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, Africa Growth Opportunity requires continuous refocus and support of stakeholders.

“The contribution of employees in the achievement of these objectives can, therefore, not be overemphasised. Our contribution alone can never be enough. The contribution of our partners and stakeholders is the key if we are to deliver our mandate and take this economy to a higher level. We commit to continue enriching our collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, as without them even our best endeavours will be in vain,” he said.

The minister urged workers to reflect on the country’s challenges, which include, high unemployment, especially for the youth, the urgent need to reform for the ‘doing business environment’ to attain global competiveness, weakened business confidence and limited sources of growth and revenue. 

He said to overcome such challenges there was need for commitment in continuous engagement with partners, stakeholders and refinement of strategies and initiatives as well as reviewing performance targets. 

For her part, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Ms Peggy Serame said the day’s objective was meant to celebrate the men and women who went beyond the borders of duty to make sure that they produce the desired results, in pursuit of excellence.

She said the awards were a clear testimony that perseverance and determination yielded success, encouraging those who were not awarded not to despair. Ends