FCC implement new trade regulations
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday September 25, 2014 17:12
Council officials said this was done in line with implementation of the 2008 trade regulations.
According to FCC senior public relations officer Joseph Wasubera, most of the 21 holders had renewed their licences. He said council only began implementing the new regulations in March this year.
“Seventeen of the clothing traders later decided against changing directors or adding new ones and renewed their licences in their initial form in which they were first issued in fear of being prevented from trading,” he explained.
He added that one of the 21 foreign traders in the clothing business indicated that he would discontinue his venture.
Wasebura further said the city council began implementing the 2008 trade regulations in March this year after consultation with the foreign traders. He said the affected were given time to familiarise themselves with the new regulations. The 2008 regulations also prevent foreigners from obtaining new licences for business like selling clothing and car washes. Those who had licences before the regulations are allowed to trade, but cannot make amendments to their licences.
Government has tried to reduce the dominance of foreign traders in the country to protect business interests of locals. Some time last year, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, refused to allow the owners of Oriental Plaza to operate before they took Batswana traders on board.
According to Oriental Plaza consultant, Sam Masunga, there are 50 rented outlets at the plaza building. Ten are said to be operational while the rest are still unoccupied.