12 Nov 2015

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama yesterday (November 12) attended the inauguration ceremony of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) headquarters building in Windhoek, Namibia.

Completion of the SACU headquarters marked the first time that SACU was housed in its own building. 

The inauguration, which was attended by other SACU leaders, was preceded by a special meeting of ministers responsible for finance and trade. Ministers’ meeting was followed by a closed discussion of heads of state. 

President Khama, who returned home same day, was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, finance minister, Mr Kenneth Matambo and Mr Vincent Seretse of trade and industry. 

In a brief interview, Mr Matambo said the ceremony was meant to officially open SACU headquarters.  The minister said SACU leaders also had an opportunity to discuss pertinent  issues about the customs union. 

Southern African Customs Union came into existence on 11 December 1969 with the signature of the Customs Union Agreement between South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.

The customs union then entered into force on March 1, 1970; replacing the Customs Union Agreement of 1910. 

Its objectives were to; facilitate the cross-border movement of goods between the territories of the member states, creating effective, transparent and democratic institutions which will ensure equitable trade benefits to member states and promoting conditions of fair competition in the Common Customs Area. Ends