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Related Keywords: advantage of AGOA, Botswana companies, Botswana exports to US increased, Botswana textile and apparel, Carapparel, lack of raw material, relatively low cost of labour, seven largest textile exporter, US department of commerce, US rules of origin, USAID

Botswana companies have failed to take full advantage of AGOA because of lack of raw materials and complications arising from US rules of origin despite of that according to the statistics from US Department of Commerce, Botswana exports to US under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) increased by 53 percent from $5.5 million (P52 million) to $8.5 million (P80 million) in the first 11 months (Jan-Nov) of the year, mainly on the back of increase in textile and apparel.

Related Keywords: AGOA, Asian companies, boost operational efficiency, Botswana Textile and Clothing Association, Botswana textile and clothing sector, Carapparel, eliminate competition, Mr Shahid Ghafoor, stimulus package, USA market

The textile and clothing companies have newly formed Botswana Textile and Clothing Association (BTCA) that will help in enhancing growth and sustainability of their trade in highly competitive market. It also aims to eliminate the existing competition, especially from Asian companies in the textile and clothing industry.

According to BTCA founding president, Mr Shahid Ghafoor, it would promote the development of a globally competitive and sustainable textile and clothing sector in Botswana.