23 Nov 2016

The Minister of Investment Trade and Industry Mr Vincent Seretse has called on businesses to secure reliable markets for local industrial goods and services.

He said that local businesses must endeavor to penetrate regional and global export markets created through trade agreements that Botswana has signed.

He said this during the commemoration of Africa Industrialisation Day and Business Forum held under the theme “Financing Industrialisation in Africa: Challenges and Winning Strategies” at Anne Adams Park in Selebi Phikwe on Tuesday.

He said the trade agreements that Botswana had signed which included among others the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) agreement, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade, the African Opportunity Growth Act (AGOA) and the SADC-EU Economic Partnership (EPA) would go a long way in laying the foundation for goods produced locally to be exported globally.

He said under these trade protocols Botswana was able to export goods and services as well as access capital goods, raw materials and intermediary goods under preferential rates.

“It is my expectation that we will maximise on the opportunities arising out of different Trade and Preferential Agreements,” he said.

Minister Seretse said  Botswana's industrialisation initiatives are aligned to that of the region through the Industrial Development Policy (IDP) of 2014. He said the 2014 policy took into consideration the changing global industrialization and development trends as well as the local economic empowerment programmes that were aimed at promoting industrial development.

He said the vision for IDP, 2014 is 'Diversified, sustainable and globally competitive Industries'.

He said the vision seeks to drive the expansion of the country's industrial base through the development of diversified sustainable and globally competitive industries.

He said the policy recognises that to achieve industrialisation there is need for 'Industry Creation Development, Industry Promotion and Facilitation, Citizen Economic Empowerment, Development of Infrastructure and Industry Relevant Skills, and Private Sector Capacity Development, among others.

In regards to Selebi Phikwe and the SPEDU region as a whole after the closure of BCL Mine, Minister Seretse said government has approved the Economic Revitalisation Strategy for the region and appointed Ms Linah Mohohlo as the coordinator of the programme.  

He said  he hope  the business community and investors will tap on the business opportunities that are presented by the strategy.

He said  in line with the strategy government has already made decisions on key actions initiatives.

He said immediate interventions include Botswana Development Corporation engaging tenants at factory shells in the mining town to draw in income among other initiatives.  

He said government has committed to continue paying school fees for children of former BCL employees for one year at a cost of P11million.

He said the office of the coordinator Economic Revitalisation Strategy, District Commissioner and the Ministry of Basic Education are working out details to implement the decision.

He said the Ministry of Health and Wellness has taken over the medical expenses which were borne by BCL at an estimated cost of about P15 million. Further, he mentioned that former BCL Mine employees have been given dispensation to continue staying in BCL houses.

He said they shall be given three months notice to vacate when the need arises. He also mentioned that for social support and counseling services, government will ensure availability of senior level officer in Selebi Phikwe to assist former BCL employees. BOPA