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
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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