Trade Facilitation Initiatives in Botswana National Workshop on the Vienna Programme of Action 28 th October 2015 Gofaone Gabositwe

Presentation Outline Background Trade Facilitation in Botswana Trade Facilitation Initiatives Challenges Conclusion

Background TF is central to the economic development initiatives of most developing countries, Botswana included. Its an essential part for the efficient participation in international trade. Botswana being an LLDC, TF is vital to support her international trade efforts.

Background Background Customs in Botswana has a long history of facilitating trade. Focus on TF part of efforts to modernise and reform Customs.

Trade Facilitation in Botswana Customs at the fore front of facilitating trade in goods. Comprehensive programme to facilitate trade in Botswana started in earnest with computerisation in Introduced use of IT to process customs declarations. Introduced SAD to replace multiple forms previously used

Trade Facilitation in Botswana Acceded to RKC in Major step towards formalising customs reform and modernisation. Customs reform and modernisation critical to facilitating trade.

Trade Facilitation Initiatives Rewriting of Customs Legislation to align to RKC and other international instruments, including TFA. Preferred Trader (AEO) Program. IT Connectivity. Risk Management. Post Clearance Audit.

Trade Facilitation Initiatives National Single Window. Modern Customs IT System. Use of Non-intrusive inspection equipment.

Challenges Lack of implementation capacity. Customs still viewed as a revenue generating agency. Other agencies still lagging behind. Legal impediments.

Thank You