Fresh attempt to revive AGOA exports
Friday, August 25, 2017
From the peak of exports worth around $17 million in 2011, which were dominated by textiles, exports under the AGOA pact to the US in 2016 were at a paltry $4 million.
Constraints limiting Botswana from taking advantage of this preferential trade arrangement range from high production costs locally, especially due to relatively exorbitant cost of utilities and labour, inadequate pool of skilled manpower coupled with challenges in obtaining work permits for the required number of expatriates.
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...