Lesotho government, supported by World Bank and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has embarked on several initiatives to enhance competitiveness in the business sector.

The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Mr. Lesao Lehohla said this at the official opening of a three-day workshop on high level policy analysis in Maseru on Monday.

He said investment reforms, which are underway include among others elimination of unnecessary procedures when applying for a license, replacement of licensing with registration, which is faster as well as development of a one-stop-shop to obtain investment information and issuance of various kinds of permits.

Mr. Lehohla further said Lesotho and South Africa are also planning to create a one-stop border to eliminate the current dual processing of customs and immigration traffic on both sides of the border.

He added that the government has also opened a business skills training centre at Maputsoe in the Northern region of the country to improve technical skills in the textile sector to remain competitive in global markets.

He however said the government is faced with the challenge to reform and modernise institutions as a deliberate strategy for development and called for the international experts to share their experiences for the economic growth of the country.

“The country together with others in the African continent is currently studying ways of tackling food crisis and energy”, saying, “the government had anticipated to increase the economic growth with five percent, but the recent high oil and food prices will make this goal very difficult to achieve.”

The DPM stated that access to markets of developed countries for small vulnerable least developed and those landlocked like Lesotho is critical for investment, growth and jobs, hence the need to learn from the international experts how to increase competitiveness and improve economic growth.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Executive Director of Brenthurst Foundation, Dr Gregg Mills commended the government for hosting the workshop, saying it indicates commitment to increase the country's economy.

The purpose of the workshop which ends on Wednesday is to exchange views on how best to improve the country's economy.

It has been organised by the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Lesotho National Development Corporation while Experts from Brenthurst Foundation have been invited to share their experiences for reforming competitiveness.

Source: LENA 23/06/2008