Windhoek
A visiting British minister has characterised President Hage Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) as “a very clear vision” and vowed his country’s support for the Namibian government’s four-year strategy.
British Minister for Africa James Duddridge said this during a meeting with Geingob at State House yesterday. Talking to journalists yesterday, Duddridge threw his country’s weight behind the HPP, after highlighting some of the points discussed with the Head of State and his team.
“A fantastic meeting. I have had a good conversation with your president about how our two countries have worked together historically, how we work together now, what the investment opportunities are and to see the real progress the country has made,” Duddridge told the press after the meeting.
The Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) is Geingob’s roadmap and compass for leading Namibians to the land of economic prosperity. The plan was launched recently as the answer to the economic and social problems facing the country and as a means to lift citizens out of abject poverty.
“There is progress in terms of doing business, progress in transparency and a very clear vision of Harambee, a very clear vision of the challenges that the country faces in terms of water and energy. I am talking about how we as long-term partners can help deliver that vision for prosperity for both countries,” Duddridge said.
He continued: “We have good relations and we’re keen on developing it, particularly on the commercial side, to grow Namibia and to grow with Namibia, to grow the tax base of Namibia, so politicians can do what they are good at, which is to spend money on developing infrastructure and making nations great.”
In Namibia Duddridge was also set to meet Prime Minister Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Minister of Works and Transport Alpheus !Naruseb, as well as Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein. His itinerary also included a meeting with Namibian business leaders to find out how United Kingdom investment can help boost the economy and infrastructure.
He is scheduled to be in Angola today, a visit that coincides with that of the UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Northover.