On the EPAs, the minister and the commissioner reiterated their full commitment to the conclusion of the process leading to the signature, ratification, and subsequently entry into the force of the EPA. They recognised the vast amount of work done thus far, namely, the negotiation of the agreement and the ongoing legal scrubbing of the agreement.
For her part, the commissioner said the EU has set aside funds to assist the SADC states in implementing the EPA upon its entry into force and that Botswana was eligible to benefit to the tune of Euro 2.6 million (P28.8 billion). She thus urged Botswana to come up with proposals to motivate for the release of the funding.The parties made an in-principle agreement that when the time for signing comes, Botswana will be considered as the preferred host for the ceremony.
On the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 10th Ministerial Conference, the minister and the commissioner indicated their sincere hope and commitment that the Nairobi conference will come up with meaningful outcomes relating to.
