Mining the mainstay

It has not been the busiest of years
in Botswana but hopes are high
for improved volumes in 2015, says
Lucas Barreto of Paccon Logistics in
Botswana.
“It is difficult to make predictions
in the current volatile economic
environment,” he said. “There has
been movement here and there but
not as significantly as one would
have expected ahead of an election
and the Christmas peak season.”
He said the country, heavily
dependent on South Africa for its
trade, had come to a near standstill
and cargo flow was relatively slow in
comparison to previous years. And
with an election around the corner
most businesses were not taking any
risks until after voters had been to
the poll.
“Currently it is all about remaining
viable in the economic climate we
are experiencing,” he said. “It is also
important for companies to be able
to offer services across a range of
commodities. One cannot just rely
on clearing and forwarding or just
be looking at project management or
heavy haulage.”
Barreto said mining continued to
offer good opportunities for freight
forwarders.