SWAKOPMUND – Natural resources such as fish, fish products, meat and minerals which are primary sources in Namibia should be process locally in order to stimulate the country’s economic growth and to create much needed sustainable jobs.
This was said by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernard Esau during the opening of the long awaited Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAITEX) on Thursday. The sophisticated expo, that attracted local and international exhibitors ended on a high note on Saturday evening at the coastal town of Swakopmund.
The expo which is of international calibre was hosted by the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Swakopmund branch, was created to give Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) the opportunity to show case their products while networking on both local and international level.
This is the second time the expo is taking place in Swakopmund. A total of 130 exhibitors took part in this year’s expo. The expo last year only attracted 40 exhibitors.
According to Esau, young entrepreneurs should make use of major business opportunities in terms of trading, manufacturing and exporting of fish. “Our young entrepreneurs should take up such opportunities and in the process create jobs for others. In response of our government addressing developmental objectives, the minister said.
He also said that in the context of growth at home natural resources such as fish, fish products, meat and minerals should generate the necessary income and in the process alleviate poverty. “We don’t want to see poverty in Namibia and therefore we must make use of every opportunity that presents itself”. Esau explained.
He then urged exhibitors and organisers to not focus on showcasing and marketing but also on manufacturing as Namibia is reach of abundant natural resources.
He said exhibitors should capitalise on the strategic location of the town of Swakopmund and should also fully utilise the opportunities that comes along with the Trans-Caprivi and Zambezi that is links the port of Walvis Bay to the rest of SADC.
“This process of unlocking our potential of growth should go hand in hand with skills development of our entrepreneurs to exploit and transform our resources into finish goods for domestic consumption as well as exportation. This highlights the importance of skilled labour and labour productivity. Both can be realise through better education and training and access to technology,” Esau said.
Also speaking at the expo, the Chief executive officer of NCCI, Tarah Shaanika said the primary purpose of the expo is to provide local and international platform but also at the same time showcase investment opportunities for SME’s.