BEMA seeks regulatory reforms to boost exports
Pauline Dikuelo | Thursday January 28, 2016 15:47
Through the agreement, the association expects to lobby for regulatory reforms that will improve and ease business environment for exporters and manufacturers.
BEMA president, Nkosi Mwaba said the agreement is critical to their members as it would help their businesses penetrate the regional market.
Mwaba said in a bid for the association to be efficient in the execution of its mandate, it decided to sign formal agreement that would focus on issues of export development and promotion, and lobbying for regulatory reforms so that they could create a better business environment for their members.
“There is a lot of trading across borders which is critical for us,” he said. “We want to encourage our members to grow to a point where they are sustainable. We want to see an export-led manufacturing sector beyond the borders of Botswana because that’s where growth is.”
He said BEMA was trying to exchange information more accurately with BITC as they would be embarking on some projects together, including joint summits and training.
This week, the BITC launched a trade portal that has been developed to provide the business community with all statutory trade information from various government departments involved in the issuance of permits, licences and clearances for export and importation of goods and services.
Mwaba said the launch of the web-based platform came at an opportune time as it was a critical source of information for existing and potential investors.
“You need a one stop shop situation where you don’t have to go all over the place searching for information and to know what to do and ask questions,” Mwaba added. “For us from an information access point of view, it’s a good development.”
The trade portal will provide; easy access to laws, regulations, administrative procedures, guidance notes, applicable fees, forms, licences, permits and penalties applicable in case of breach.
BEMA is a membership organisation incorporating exporters, manufacturers, service providers and individuals in trade and export related areas. It aims to improve the competitiveness of Botswana’s manufacturing and export sectors into the region and international fraternity through tailor made services programmes.