04 Sep 2018

Government is considering introducing restrictions on the importation of cement because local producers now meet the demand.

Addressing the Francistown council meeting on August 30, Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Moeseraele Goya said local cement manufacturing companies were complaining about the rate of importation while they exceeded the local demand.

He revealed that PPC Cement was also planning to open a cement plant in Palapye. On other issues, Mr Goya briefed councillors on the industrial development policy.

He said the first policy was formulated in 1984 to focus on the import situation and that the second one in 1998 focused on export-led growth with emphasis on diversification and facilitation of industrial development related components. However, he explained that the two policies experienced challenges as they did not achieve the desired goals and could not address issues of industrialisation.

He said there were also challenges of imports constraints because the import bill was high as well as inadequate infrastructure and shortage of power which affected industries.Other challenges, he said, included poor financing and resource mobilisation and an education system that did not address market demands.

Mr Goya said it was against this background that government came up with the 2014 industrial development policy, which operates in both the domestic and external policy environment to promote industrialisation.

The assistant minister added that the policy was also meant to achieve a number of goals such as industry creation and development, industry promotion and facilitation, citizen economic empowerment, development of infrastructure and industry relevant skills as well as private sector capacity development.

He said the main objective of the 2014 industrial development policy was to expand the country’s industrial base through the development of diversified, sustainable and globally competitive industries.

Mr Goya said he was aware of councillors grievances which resulted with some of them coming up with resolutions to invite the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry to address them.

Meanwhile, Botswana Investment Trade Centre acting chief executive officer, Mr Regional Selelo explained that the main goal of the centre was to grow the economy and bring about economic diversification.

He said BITC was also responsible for market intelligence as well as to promote trade missions abroad. ENDS