EPA creates impetus to boost local industries

Botswana's beef industry is set to benefit the most from the EU deal
Botswana's beef industry is set to benefit the most from the EU deal

Botswana and five other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been urged to create an attractive business environment in order to accrue the benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which was signed last week.

Speaking in Kasane at the signing of the EPA between the European Union (EU) and SADC, commissioner for trade, Cecilia Malmström, said there are some challenges in getting the most out of the agreement that include making legal changes to open markets.

She said this involves lowering tariffs over time, and making changes that will allow people to take advantage of the opportunities that the EPA provides.

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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