Govt launches strategy to improve trade
Friday, September 23, 2016
Kebonang
Investment, Trade and Industry assistant minister, Sadique Kebonang told journalists this week at the launch of the aid-for-trade strategy that Botswana’s level of integration remains quite minimal.
This is despite the market access opportunities for goods and services presented by various trade arrangements such as the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).
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...