The Freight and Customs
Clearing Agents Association
of Botswana has increasingly
become a mediator between
the private sector and customs,
according to its chairman Lucas
Barreto.
“The Association has
established a task force that
regularly meets with customs to
discuss issues that have arisen
and to try to find solutions to the
challenges that the private sector
experiences.”
According to Barreto, dealing
with customs is challenging
no matter where one is in the
world, but in Botswana the fact
that executive or legal decisions
take time to filter through to
the ground is one of the biggest
headaches.
“It takes time to implement
changes or decisions that have
been made. So, for example,
several countries in the region
will agree to do something but
this will not be implemented
immediately as would be the case
in South Africa maybe. It takes
time for changes to be made
practically despite the law already
being in place or the agreement
signed.”
He said in this regard the
Association worked closely with
customs to make sure that there
was a better understanding
between all parties. This to try to
effect change more quickly after a
Memorandum of Understanding
has been signed or new laws
implemented.
“Like many of our neighbouring
countries we want to see growth
in Botswana and we understand
what that requires. We need our
customs officials to work with
us to ensure we see that growth.
We have to overcome the red
tape and cumbersome processes
and have sleek, efficient systems
in place that encourage trade.
That is a major focus for us as an
association.”
Barreto said another area that
was gaining traction was the call
for infrastructure.
“New corridors are being
developed all the time. At the
same time there is a renewed
focus on rail with construction of
the new line between Botswana
and Namibia expected to start
soon.”
Barreto said African countries
like Botswana were realising
more and more how important
infrastructure was and there
were definite attempts to bring
about change in this regard.
“By upgrading and improving
our infrastructure we will boost
imports and the f low of cargo
will improve dramatically. At the
same time it will bring down the
excessively high cost of logistics
in southern Africa.”
For Barreto the goals are clear.
“Ultimately it is all about growing
Botswana business and taking
up the opportunities that are on
offer in the current African boom
time environment. If we do not
do it now, we will lose out
completely.”
INSERT
There is a
renewed focus on
rail with construction
of the new line
between Botswana and
Namibia expected to
start soon.
