02 Oct 2015

The National Enquiry Point (NEP) offers information on laws, regulations and quality standards among members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse, said this at the launch of the NEP in Gaborone recently.

“Gathering the required information has never been easy, it can be cumbersome and even impossible, thereby hindering trade, private sector involvement and economic growth,” he said.

The minister said enquiry points were to serve as information desk offices on issues relating to standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures implemented by members of the WTO. 

He said other WTO members would be guided on the applicable requirements of doing business in Botswana.“You will agree with me that our industry is challenged with accessing information relating to the product quality requirements of the export market,” he said.

The minister said it was hoped that in the long run time and cost of trade would be reduced.

He said government remained committed to enhancing trade, hence rectifying a new facilitation agreement. Mr Seretse said the Trade Facilitation Agreement contained provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.

“It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues,” he said.

He said technological developments had transformed the world into a global village where consumers were more informed and demanded goods that not only fit their purpose but were also delivered on time.

The minister called upon the business community to use the facility to access information on their target market requirements so that product specifications  could be taken into account at the design and production stages.  He said this would minimise issues of market rejections on account of failing to meet specifications.

The NEP was established through the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through their Southern Africa Trade Hub. Ends