‘Customs working in harmony with agents’

Customs in Botswana has
made major strides not only
in improving its operations
but also its interaction with
business.
According to Mark Thompson,
managing director of UTi in
Botswana, clearing agents and
freight forwarders alike have seen
the improvements in the system.
“I think the major difference
is that it is no longer a situation
of Customs dictating to us, but
rather interacting with us and
listening to our needs. Along with
that they are actively engaging
in processes to try to ensure that
those needs are met.”
Thompson told FTW the new
approach had gone a long way
to establishing new and better
relationships with Customs while
a new system is being developed
for the country’s border posts.
“We have been informed about
the new system and believe it is
going to streamline processes
at the border post extensively.
We expect to see it implemented
sooner rather than later.”
He said while logistical
infrastructure was sometimes
still lacking, there had also been
a major move from government
to improve and upgrade
infrastructure.
“In the past seven years we
have seen some major changes,
with much upgrading of the
airport, roads and buildings.
There is a definite understanding
of the importance of
infrastructure and the role it plays
in attracting investment.”
Thompson said with several
new mining projects on the go
there was significant opportunity
at present in the country for those
willing to take on the challenges.
“There may not have been a
boom of note in the past two
years but there has been stability
in the market in which we operate
and we believe there is growth
ahead.”
Having signed two major
contracts with a new copper
mine in Maun and a power line
project, while also having been
extensively involved with the
energy power project in Palaype,
Thompson said UTi had shown
steady growth in Botswana in the
past few years.
“Even during the economic
downturn we managed to sustain
our numbers and we have
managed to grow the business
consistently.”
He said part of the reason for
the success was the strategic
decision to align themselves
with blue chip companies and to
ensure they were serving every
vertical in the country, ranging
from general cargo to medical,
automotive, mining, IT and
even textiles.