Give brand chance

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Neo Moroka, has appealed to critics of the Botswana brand to give it a chance.
Responding to MPs criticism on Tuesday, Mr Moroka said the brand is about how passionate one is about their country.
He said it also dependent on which angle a person looked at the brand.
Regarding the ongoing negotiations on the interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), Mr Moroka assured MPs that they are negotiating with the countrys best interest at heart.
He said unlike the Cotonou Agreement which had waived the aspect of reciprocal trade, the EPAs are advocating for reciprocity of trade.
Mr Moroka, however, noted that they are currently negotiating for a grace period of about 25 years before they could be expected to reciprocate trade.
The minister said he would arrange a workshop to brief all MPs on the trade negotiations.
About the Copyright and Neighbouring Right Act, Mr Moroka said intensive educational campaigns are needed to educate Batswana about the new developments.
He cited the protection of the rights to a medicinal plant called Devils claw (sengaparile) which is commonly found in the Kgalagadi region.
Mr Moroka further said his ministry is in negotiations with the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) to collect levies on technical devices on their behalf.
The minister said that over 100 000 holograms meant to authenticate works of right holders have been purchased.
The minister also said the aim of the formulation of the traditional beer regulations is to gradually remove their sale from homes to designated areas.
He said currently the sale of such brews is not government by the Liquor Act.
Still on the issue of alcohol, Mr Moroka said one of the positives of the alcohol levy is that people are no longer seen loitering the streets drunk at night.
Parliament approved the over P534 million budget proposal for the ministry which covers both development and recurrent expenditure for 2009/10 financial year.