The online portal, being developed in conjunction with the World Bank as well as the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, will feature all critical trade-related data and services for domestic and foreign businesses, ranging from tariffs to statistics. Services already provided on the portal include company name search, as well as application forms, licences, permits, trading rules and requirements. The portal will lead to reduced administrative and bureaucratic burden, thereby resulting in simplified procedures. It will bring down trade costs, improve delivery and lead times while acting as a building block for the National Single Window. Although the portal’s establishment was primarily to adhere to World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments on trade facilitation, as noted yesterday by assistant trade and industry minister, Sadique Kebonang, its objectives go far beyond that.
The portal will make it easier for traders and investors to understand, navigate and comply with regulatory requirements associated with exporting and importing, while helping Botswana to fully comply with its international obligations at WTO level.
