Non-State Actors To Be Involved In EPAs Talks-Moroka
By Kabo Mokgoabone
Staff Writer
| Monday December 3, 2007 00:00
In an interview with the Monitor Business, Minister Neo Moroka said it is the intention of government to engage the private sector as negotiations move into services, adding that government is spearheading the negotiations on behalf of non-state actors.
Speaking after the signing of the interim EPA agreement between four SADC states - Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland - and the European Union (EU), Moroka explained that services would need technical expertise and core negotiators.
Moroka's comments come against the background of complaints in the private sector that business is left out of EPAs negotiations, whose conclusion will change the way business is done with Europe.
The credentials and credibility of some on the Botswana team of negotiators have also been questioned.
Moroka also quashed suggestions that government was more pro active in striking a deal for the beef industry that rolls in about P500 million annually, saying that representatives of the beef lobby participated in the process.
Moroka's was supported by Banny Molosiwa, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, who said the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) had also participated in the negotiations.
Molosiwa said that BOCCIM sits on the Trade Policy Committee.
Services that Botswana will negotiate for under the EPAs with the EU over a three-year period include telecommunications and tourism; these will largely affect the private sector.
Botswana negotiators say the EPA negotiations did not begin with services because there were regulations that needed to be put in place first.
The Botswana Chief Negotiator in the talks, Motlhware Masisi, says services should be negotiated wisely so that Batswana are not locked out of business.
Botswana is working on the drafting of the Competitions Act and the Empowerment Policy that will protect the interests of citizens against foreign competition.