Botswana continues negotiations with U.S. to further reduce tariffs
"These discussions aim to address the specific concerns of both parties and strengthen bilateral trade ties," said the statement from the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship.
The ministry informed the business community and the general public that, effective Aug. 7, 2025, the U.S. government has adjusted its tariff rates for its foreign trading partners, including Botswana, the statement noted.
Under the revised structure, the tariffs imposed on Botswana's exports to the United States have been reduced to 15 percent, down from the previous 37 percent announced on April 2, it said.
The developments take place within a dynamic and evolving global trade environment, and further adjustments may be introduced in the future, said the statement, adding that the ministry will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Zimbabwean minister hails Chinese-invested steel plant for boosting industrialization
HARARE, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere has said the Chinese-invested Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) has boosted the country's industrialization efforts. Speaking during a media tour on Friday, Muswere hailed the project as one of the success stories under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, noting that it reflects Zimbabwe's quest to attain industrial sovereignty. "For many decades, Zimbabwe has been importing steel worth billions of dollars, but with the coming on board of Dinson, the country is now benefiting from import substitution," Muswere said. He said the steel plant, which was granted a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) certificate, as well as the developer and operator permits by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency last week, will enhance mineral beneficiation and value addition, thereby boosting employment creation and contributing to Zimbabwe's economic growth. Xu Kemin, chief executive officer of Dinson Group, said the SEZ status will help unlock Zimbabwe's industrialization potential and contribute to the country's economic growth. "We will be available to host new investment into the industrial park, especially in the zone. We believe that the zone is going to be the most successful, most vibrant zone in the country," Xu said, adding that the steel plant will be the anchor project in the industrial zone where upstream and downstream businesses are welcome to invest. DISCO, a subsidiary of China's Tsingshan Holding Group, commenced construction of the steel plant in Midlands Province in 2022 and aims to make Zimbabwe a major regional player in steel production.
Malaysia Sun
17 hours ago
- Malaysia Sun
Pakistan-China ties model of political trust, enduring cooperation, says Pakistani expert
"CPEC has improved connectivity, eased our electricity shortages, and created a large number of jobs and educational opportunities," said Syed, the chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute. by Jiang Chao, Ahmed Raza ISLAMABAD, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The friendship between Pakistan and China is a model of political trust and enduring cooperation, said Mushahid Hussain Syed, former chairman of the Pakistani senate's defense committee, calling for joint efforts to build a closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era. Syed, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua that the two countries should seize the opportunities brought about by global political and economic changes to deepen their strategic partnership further. Reflecting on the 74 years of diplomatic ties, Syed said that from the friendship forged by the older generation of leaders, to the construction of the Karakoram Highway, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, and the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the two sides have established an unbreakable all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor linking Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Kashgar in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, while in the new phase it expands to fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others. Before the launch of CPEC, Pakistan faced security challenges and a lack of foreign investment, the former senator noted. "China was the first to invest in Pakistan, showing firm confidence in our future and enhancing our position on the global investment map," he said. "CPEC has improved connectivity, eased our electricity shortages, and created a large number of jobs and educational opportunities," said the PCI chairman. He pointed out that CPEC has in recent years expanded into agriculture, information technology, green energy and other sectors, boosting development in less-developed areas of Pakistan. "In the Thar Coal Block-II Coal Electricity Integration project, local women can drive dumper trucks to transport coal," Syed said. "The Sukkur-Multan section of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway has created jobs for tens of thousands of locals, and improved cold chain facilities and road connectivity have benefited the fishing industry in Gwadar." According to him, CPEC is not just about steel and concrete. "It is a people-centered development project," he added. Syed suggested that the two countries deepen cooperation in industrial relocation, critical mineral development, information technology, agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G. He also recommended that Pakistan should learn from China's experience in drip irrigation and multiple cropping. "Pakistan has an educated workforce, and China is a global leader in AI, robotics, cloud computing, and green energy," said the former senator. "The potential for cooperation is huge." Looking ahead, Syed said Pakistan should formulate strategies aligned with China's development priorities, particularly in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and addressing climate change. "We must combine technology with efforts to tackle climate challenges and promote green and sustainable development," he said. Speaking about the younger generation, the PCI chairman recalled his first visit to China more than 50 years ago as a student and as head of the Pakistan-China Youth Friendship Association. "That was the beginning of my bond with China," he said. "The China-Pakistan friendship is a unique relationship that has stood the test of time, built on solidarity and mutual trust," Syed said. "China's success story is worth learning from, and the youth of our two countries should work together to build a better future based on peace, development and prosperity."
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Drawing in fresh science and tech talents with special visa
The country will introduce a new visa category for young science and technology talent, following a decision by the State Council. Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the decision to amend the country's regulation on the administration of foreigners' entries and exits. According to the decision, China will add a K visa to its ordinary visa categories, available to eligible young science and technology professionals. Applicants for this visa must meet the qualifications and requirements set by relevant Chinese authorities and submit supporting documentation. The new rules will take effect on Oct. 1. Compared with the existing 12 ordinary visa types, K visas will offer more convenience to holders in terms of number of permitted entries, validity period and duration of stay, according to a press conference held by relevant authorities on Thursday. After entering China, K visa holders can engage in exchanges in fields such as education, culture, and science and technology, as well as relevant entrepreneurial and business activities. Bar specific age, educational background and work experience requirements, applications for K visas do not require a domestic employer or entity to issue an invitation. 'China's development requires the participation of talent from around the world, and China's development also provides opportunities for them,' according to the press conference. — Xinhua
