04 Jun 2013

More than 60 exporters and manufacturers are expected to participate in this year’s Botswana Export and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) exposition scheduled for Boipuso hall from June 21 to 22.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, BEMA vice president, Mr Buzwani Manyepedza said the two-day exposition, would aim to expose, promote and showcase locally manufactured products.

Mr Manyepedza said there would be a workshop running concurrently with the exposition. The workshop would enable participants to network and learn about programmes and policies available to improve their businesses.

BEMA treasurer, Mr Boyd Luwe said 60 exhibitors had booked indoors but they also expected some outdoor exhibitoors.  He said they were expecting big companies as well as SMMEs.

On June 22, there would be a gala dinner where awards would be given in different criteria including best stall, successful projects (market penetration), successful entrepreneur (SMME), corporate governance and social responsibilities. 

Meanwhile, Mr Luwe said they also aimed at training exporters and manufacturers to improve their quality and they were working in partnership with other organisations such as Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS).

He said it was important for producers to ensure their products were of the right quality and price. BEMA acting executive director, Ms Sthembezile Dube said they played an advocacy role to assist exporters and manufacturers to reach international markets but did not offer monetary assistance.

Ms Dube added that they also played a role in trade negotiations working alongside the department of international trade in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. ENDS