30 Jul 2023

The proposed amendments in the Botswana Trade Commission Act will address deficiencies and challenges identified during the implementation of the act, says Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela.

Tabling the Botswana Trade Commission (Amendment) Bill of 2023 in Parliament on Friday, he said the bill would address shortcomings that were realised during the implementation of act as well as to strengthen the commission.

He also said the powers and functions of the commission would be aligned in the processing of applications and the conduct of investigations with other national bodies of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) member states.

In addition, Mr Kgafela said the amendments would help to facilitate regional cooperation in conducting investigations. He also added that the amendment would help to build local expertise on regional and international trade negotiations such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Mr Kgafela also stated that the amendments would help the country to achieve sustainable economic growth as envisaged in Vision 2036.

Debating the bill, Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse agreed with the proposed amendments, saying they were aligned to the SACU agreements.

However, he regretted that Botswana imported most of its goods.

He further said under SACU, there was an infant industry protection clause for member states to protect teething industries from the established.

Mr Keorapetse, who is also Leader of Opposition in Parliament, said government had not adequately protected the textile industry, which was once promising. 

He said Selebi Phikwe used to have a booming textile industry, but that most of the companies had relocated due to lack of protection, which led to loss of employment opportunities.

Further, he regretted that government entities continued to import protective and corporate clothing at the expense of local textile manufacturing companies.

Specially Elected MP, Ms Peggy Serame said the amendments would strengthen the commission. 

She said the move would build local expertise on regional and international trade issues.

Ms Serame also said Botswana should be able to negotiate trade agreements with other countries.

Further, she said although there were laws and regulations supporting local companies, there was a challenge with implementation.

She noted that although SACU allowed member countries to protect certain emerging sectors, the organisation also stipulated that member states should negotiate with fellow member states. Ends