Businesses ill-informed about EU trade prospects � envoy

Many Botswana businesses are unaware of how to export to the European Union (EU), a trade official said at a recent journalists’ seminar on EU cooperation. John Taylor, who is the trade officer for the EU delegation in Botswana, also said local businesses do not know how to take advantage of the EU trade benefits.

He said he was surprised and disappointed when he arrived in Botswana 18 months ago to discover that there was lack of interest and lack of awareness about the EU.

“When I came here to talk about trade and interact with the trading community and administration, I was shocked. What we heard was about the wonderful opportunities with China and the US,” he said. Taylor indicated that he arrived in Botswana at the right time to talk about the basis for better trade to the EU in Botswana.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

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...

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