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.
