BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– Government is moving to modernise Eswatini’s trading regulations in a bid to simplify licensing processes, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and create a more responsive environment for businesses and consumers.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade engaged the retail sector in a stakeholder consultative meeting as part of the review of the Trading Licences Order of 1975 and the development of Shop Trading Hours Regulations.
The review seeks to establish a regulatory framework that is modern, efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of the retail sector.
One of the key areas of the reforms is simplifying trading licence processes to make it easier for businesses to understand and comply with licensing requirements.
The review will also look at regulatory processes that may create unnecessary difficulties or costs for businesses, with the aim of reducing avoidable burdens and improving the ease of doing business.
Delivering the Ministry’s remarks, Under Secretary Phesheya Dube highlighted the importance of the retail sector to Eswatini’s economy, particularly its contribution to employment, local enterprise development and access to goods and services.
The reforms further seek to improve clarity and consistency in the administration of trading licences, allowing businesses to have a clearer understanding of the requirements they need to meet.
The development of the Shop Trading Hours Regulations is also part of Government’s efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the retail sector.
The Ministry encouraged retailers to share their experiences, challenges and recommendations during the consultation, noting that their input would help shape regulations that are practical and effective.
The consultation forms part of Government’s broader commitment to working with the private sector to promote investment, innovation, competitiveness and enterprise development.
Through the regulatory reforms, Government aims to create a trading environment that supports businesses while protecting consumers and contributing to employment and economic growth.
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(Courtesy Pic)
