The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) held a two-day national stakeholders seminar on Wednesday 03 April 2019 to discuss safeguard measures to protect local market and industries in Maseru.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Mr. Soaile Mochaba highlighted that in 2011 the cabinet approved the creation of an entity called National Body within the Ministry as provided for in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 2002, article 14, noting that the entity is responsible for tariff administration trade remedies together with import and export control.

He noted that capacity development in the area of trade defense instruments is an essential element of EPA for a facilitation of a smooth and easy implementation of this Agreement.

Furthermore, he stated that subsequent to government officials’ training, the next step is to raise awareness on the application of trade remedies to a broader stakeholder comprising of the private sector which is the main beneficiary of trade defense instruments and other government agencies.