‘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.