18 The objective of the visitation was to establish if there are any challenges the industrialists face which the Ministry can intervene; in an effort to create an enabling environment for business. The industrialists urged the Honourable Minister to facilitate establishment of a laundry facility in Lesotho as the costs to take the textiles to South Africa are exorbitant and have a negating bearing on the production.
Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to trade have proven to be another hurdle that they encounter and Minister Lehana assured the industrialists that the Ministry will work tirelessly to ensure smooth passage of their products to various destinations.
Textile industries being the largest employer in the country helps the Government to achieve its policy in poverty alleviation, job creation and
improve the economy; therefore it is imperative to government to ensure that technical barriers to trade (TBTs) and NTBs are eradicated.
On 15th April, the Hon. Lehana visited Formasa Textile Company, Lefase (PTY) LTD, TZICC Clothing (PTY) LTD and CGM Industrial (PTY) LTD and continued the visitation on 17th April to Afri-Expo Textiles (PTY) LTD, Adient South Africa/Lesotho (PTY) LTD, LEO Garments (PTY) LTD and Maseru E Textiles (PTY) LTD.