Second Quarter Report Financial Year 2009

The program aimed to improve the business environment in the region by addressing trade-related challenges and opportunities. One of the major activities was the facilitation of a potential business transaction between an agricultural enterprise in southern Mozambique and a large United States-based hot sauce company. The Trade Hub's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Trade and Business Manager, Mr. Brett Johnson, conducted a feasibility study in Mozambique, meeting with stakeholders and potential investors to assess the viability of the project. The Trade Hub also provided technical assistance to the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) in January and February 2009. Mr. Tim Chisembwere, Customs Consultant, and Mr. R. Munyaradzi, Customs Advisor, worked with LRA stakeholders to define a plan for implementing Customs-related technical assistance. This included updating the Lesotho Customs and Excise Act and facilitating a World Customs Organization (WCO) Trade Release Study. In addition, the Trade Hub collaborated with the Botswana Trust Fund to support the development of the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) in southern Africa. The TKC is a major transportation route that connects Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The Trade Hub provided technical assistance to the TKC Management Committee, helping to improve the corridor's infrastructure and facilitate trade between the three countries. The Trade Hub's Trade and Investment Enabling Environment program also focused on trade facilitation and trade facilitation needs assessments. The program worked with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to conduct a Trade Release Study in Lesotho, which aimed to identify bottlenecks in the country's customs procedures and provide recommendations for improvement. The Trade Hub's Trade and Investment Enabling Environment program achieved several successes during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009. The program facilitated a potential business transaction between an agricultural enterprise in southern Mozambique and a large United States-based hot sauce company. The program also provided technical assistance to the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) and supported the development of the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) in southern Africa. The Trade Hub's Trade and Investment Enabling Environment program is a key component of the Trade Hub's overall strategy to improve the business environment in the region. The program aims to address trade-related challenges and opportunities, and to facilitate trade between countries in southern Africa. The program's successes during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009 demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving its goals. The Trade Hub's Private Sector Competitiveness program focused on several key initiatives during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009. The program aimed to improve the competitiveness of the private sector in the region by addressing trade-related challenges and opportunities. One of the major activities was the support of exportable agriculture, textiles, and textiles-related industries. The program worked with the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM) to develop a strategy for the development of the textiles industry in Botswana. The Trade Hub also provided technical assistance to the Swaziland Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (SWEEP) to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Swaziland. The program worked with SWEEP to develop a business plan for the establishment of a textile factory in Swaziland. In addition, the Trade Hub collaborated with the Trade Law Centre for Southern Africa (TRALAW) to support the development of trade law and policy in the region. The program worked with TRALAW to develop a report on the impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on trade in the region. The Trade Hub's Private Sector Competitiveness program achieved several successes during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009. The program supported the development of exportable agriculture, textiles, and textiles-related industries in the region. The program also provided technical assistance to the Swaziland Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (SWEEP) to support the development of SMEs in Swaziland. The Trade Hub's Private Sector Competitiveness program is a key component of the Trade Hub's overall strategy to improve the competitiveness of the private sector in the region. The program aims to address trade-related challenges and opportunities, and to facilitate trade between countries in southern Africa. The program's successes during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009 demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving its goals. The Trade Hub's Financial Services program focused on several key initiatives during the second quarter of Financial Year 2009. The program aimed to improve access to financial services in the region by addressing trade-related challenges and opportunities. One of the major activities was the support of microfinance institutions in the region. The program worked with the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM) to develop a strategy for the development of microfinance institutions in Botswana. The Trade Hub also provided technical assistance to the Swaziland Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (SWEEP