Business facilitation to be eased
Friday, February 21, 2014
Unlike the previous “one roof” model by BEDIA, the current model does not house representatives of different authorising entities under one roof. Instead investors submit documents to the “one window” business facilitation service centre, which then forwards them to relevant authorising government departments.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcas Makgatho-Malesu stated that the centre would ensure that investors are assisted in an efficient and timely manner.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...