Business

Businesses call for inclusive benefit of new incentives

Onalenna Kelebeile | Friday March 10, 2017 15:35

Existing businesses also want to benefit from incentives
 
Existing businesses also want to benefit from incentives

Government this week unveiled a package of incentives for investors to set up shop in the region following the demise of BCL Group.

The incentives, which are categorised into six packages, include fiscal incentives, government off-take, and provision of land, input costs, softer SPEDU region labour laws and a one-stop service centre. Participants at a meeting held here on SPEDU economic revitalisation programme by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry felt that the incentives would breed competition and create a gap between already existing small businesses.

“The new incentives should apply to all businesses instead of discriminating against already existing businesses in the SPEDU region,” an official from Business Botswana, Palalani Moitlhobogi said.

The business community expressed concern that many businesses are relocating because they cannot operate under the current environment hence already existing businesses should also be eligible for new incentives. They also wanted to know if there are any incentives that could sustain existing businesses while they wait for the economic situation to improve.

Meanwhile SPEDU board chairman, Daniel Mahupela said he was looking forward to the transformation of the SPEDU region. “SPEDU is of essence. Let us deliver. Stakeholders should not get frustrated instead they want to see tangible infrastructure. We look forward to new business start ups and massive transformations,” he said.

On the other hand, minister Vincent Seretse said Government is committed to saving Selebi-Phikwe and the region.

“Do not lose patience and relocate but remain steadfast because Government is doing something. Be careful of doomsayers who preach the demise of the town. We will continue to protect residents of this town,” he said.

Seretse said Government would ensure that Selebi-Phikwe is protected by creating business opportunities hence a strategy was formulated to ensure that the region improves.