BOTC vows to fight dumping
Friday, November 27, 2020
A senior official of the Commission, Kesego Mogotsi recently told a group of entrepreneurs that the fledgling parastatal would enforce its mandate to shield local businesses against dumping of goods in Botswana by multinational producing firms. “BOTC is going to use tariffs, amongst other instruments, to shield local businesses against dumping and other forms of unfair market tactics brought about by imported products,” Mogotsi said at an engagement with entrepreneurs.
Mogotsi added tariffs can and will be used by the Commission to promote domestic production, job creation as well as international competitiveness. She said it was an established and universal understanding that the use of tariffs could improve or expand a country’s source of revenue, remedy trade distortions and ultimately protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition. Mogotsi, however, told the entrepreneurs that the Commission would only be able to use tariffs to protect their businesses if it became aware of unfair trading practice taking place.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...