25 Nov 2019

In an effort to support local manufacturers, the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry has introduced an initiative for retailers in the form of signing of commitments with foreign retailers operating on reserved activities.

The director at the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs  Ms Seipati Olweny said the step was taken to facilitate citizen economic empowerment and to ensure the sustainability of the textile industry.

Ms Olweny was giving a keynote address at the Winter Fashion Show organised by Botswana Textile and Clothing Association (BTCA) in partnership with Topline CB Stores to showcase the winter collection by local designers.

She said the ministry signed ten commitments with foreign clothing retailers being Edcon Group, Pepkor Group, Foschini Group, The branded clothing Company, Boot Good Investment t/a Fashion World, Frame Leisure Trading Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Cotton on Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Woolworths Botswana (Pty) Ltd, and Cash Bazaar (Pty) Ltd.

She explained that government advocated for private sector participation in driving the economy, adding that in its efforts to support market access for the sector, the government hosted two suppliers development workshop in February and in May 2017. She said the idea was to foster business relationships among suppliers and manufacturers.

“The ministry is aware of the difficulties faced by the industry and with regard to that aspect it, recognised the key role played by private sectors,” she said.

She emphasised that the government had prioritised entrepreneurship and advancement of Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) as the catalyst to achieving economic growth and diversification.

“It is our vision to have our products penetrating the international market, as the buyers who are here today will select the best collection or their store for the 2020 winter collection,” she said.

In her remark earlier on vice-chairperson of BTCA  Banusi Mbakanyi said it was vital to consider clothing designs for semi-mass production focusing on practical clothing which was semi -formal and smart casual.

She further said the clothing industry must be stylish yet sustainable with good quality workmanship as this would help the clothing produced to be more competitive in terms of pricing, quality, quick response to market and be flexibility in customer requirements. Ten local designers showcased their clothing at the event. ENDS

In an effort to support local manufacturers, the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry has introduced an initiative for retailers in the form of signing of commitments with foreign retailers operating on reserved activities.

The director at the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs  Ms Seipati Olweny said the step was taken to facilitate citizen economic empowerment and to ensure the sustainability of the textile industry.

Ms Olweny was giving a keynote address at the Winter Fashion Show organised by Botswana Textile and Clothing Association (BTCA) in partnership with Topline CB Stores to showcase the winter collection by local designers.

She said the ministry signed ten commitments with foreign clothing retailers being Edcon Group, Pepkor Group, Foschini Group, The branded clothing Company, Boot Good Investment t/a Fashion World, Frame Leisure Trading Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Cotton on Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Woolworths Botswana (Pty) Ltd, and Cash Bazaar (Pty) Ltd.

She explained that government advocated for private sector participation in driving the economy, adding that in its efforts to support market access for the sector, the government hosted two suppliers development workshop in February and in May 2017. She said the idea was to foster business relationships among suppliers and manufacturers.

“The ministry is aware of the difficulties faced by the industry and with regard to that aspect it, recognised the key role played by private sectors,” she said.

She emphasised that the government had prioritised entrepreneurship and advancement of Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) as the catalyst to achieving economic growth and diversification.

“It is our vision to have our products penetrating the international market, as the buyers who are here today will select the best collection or their store for the 2020 winter collection,” she said.

In her remark earlier on vice-chairperson of BTCA  Banusi Mbakanyi said it was vital to consider clothing designs for semi-mass production focusing on practical clothing which was semi -formal and smart casual.

She further said the clothing industry must be stylish yet sustainable with good quality workmanship as this would help the clothing produced to be more competitive in terms of pricing, quality, quick response to market and be flexibility in customer requirements. Ten local designers showcased their clothing at the event. ENDS