BMC redoubles non-EU exports

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The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) plans to redouble its efforts towards exports to Hong Kong, the Middle East and other markets to diversify against a reliance on the European Union and South Africa, Agriculture Minister, Christiaan De Graaf said this week.

The European Union has traditionally been the Commission’s mainstay, accounting for up to a tenth of revenues in previous years. However, outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease as well as livestock traceability issues triggered the delisting of local exports in 2011, exposing the BMC’s books and local farmers.

The Commission countered the delisting by sourcing new markets outside the EU, making regional inroads and even tapping Zimbabwe for FMD beef exports.

Editor's Comment
Gov't, unions must find common ground

The situation is exacerbated by the ruling party’s admission that some of its most important election promises remain unfulfilled. This is not the change many Batswana had expected. The UDC was elected into power on a strong promise to improve lives, create jobs, protect workers and repair public services. It is therefore, not enough for the party to point only to new ministries, policies and long-term plans. These may be necessary, but...

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