26 Jul 2017

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Biggie Butale says the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) national response strategy has been finalised and endorsed by his ministry in consultations with the AGOA national reference group. 

Speaking in Parliament on July 25, Mr Butale said the national reference group comprises of stakeholders from government and private sector. 

He said the strategy has identified potential sectors for export to the US market under the Act, and includes an elaborate implementation matrix detailing specific sector based actions and activities to be undertaken for effective implementation of the strategy. 

The assistant minister stated that Botswana is currently not exporting any products to the US market under AGOA. 

“My ministry continues to engage regional US Government agencies for technical assistance and capacity building programmes to assist local companies to access the US market,” he said. 

 He said to effect implementation of the national response strategy, his ministry has prioritised exploring the export potential of Botswana beef and beef products. 

“A technical analysis of the Competitiveness and Market Opportunities for Botswana Beef Exports into the USA is currently being undertaken through the assistance of the Southern African Trade and Investment Hub,” he said. 

He said the study will be completed next month. 

Specially Elected MP Ms Bogolo Kenewendo had asked if the ministry had finalised the budget and matrix for AGOA implementation. 

She further asked the assistant minister to state the target as well as current export volumes through AGOA. ENDS