By Engel Nawatiseb TSUMEB Deputy Prime Minister Dr Libertina Amathila says the investment in the motor industry valued at close to N$6 million, initiated by the Tsumeb-based Auto Tech Panel, is a substantive indication of the consistent and growing confidence that local investors have in the country’s economy. She made the remarks during the launch of the Auto Tech Panel workshop, described as the first modern facility of its kind in the country. “You will agree with me that Namibia’s economy will not grow with foreign direct investment and joint ventures alone. Investment by local entrepreneurs in productive sectors of the economy is also essential in expanding and expediting the economic growth in order to achieve the goals espoused in Vision 2030.” Amathila stressed that government stood firm in promoting a conducive environment for business to invest, expand and flourish so that businesses drive the country’s eventual industrialisation. She pointed out that the policies of government would therefore continue to be enriched by the experiences and challenges of the fight to eradicate poverty so that collective efforts are genuinely responsive to the needs of all citizens. Government, she added, is keen to maintain a stable and prudent micro-and macro economic policy strategy amidst the often difficult global economic trends. “I am informed that due to the demands of the modern auto industry, there was a need to establish a state-of-the-art facility to cater effectively for the industry. Because of this shop, major panel beating work will now be done here and not transported to Windhoek as it was before. This will reduce the cost on insurance companies since they need not transport vehicles to Windhoek. I commend the owners for the initiative to embark upon a large-scale panel shop which will serve the entire northern Namibia.” She appealed for capacity building amongst the disadvantaged segment of the workforce, as well as the adherence to labour laws and the promotion of good working relations. “The workforce will benefit as they will now have to learn to use computerised equipment,” said Amathila. She urged all stakeholders to consolidate government’s collective wisdom, energies and resources in order for the country to experience phenomenal growth. Auto Tech Panel has signed various dealership agreements with BMW, Daimler in South Africa and other internationally acclaimed names in the motor industry to render quality services to customers. Auto Tech proprietor Rainier Arangies said the modern facility would soon be expanded to cover body repairs of heavy trucks as well. “Something that is unique to our shop is our method of quotation preparation. We recently introduced the Audatex (Automotive Date Expert Quote) system based in Europe and controlled from Switzerland.” The system is reportedly applied worldwide and caters for the most advanced requirements in quotations. Where an ordinary quote can take 48 hours, this system prepares one and prints it out in 10 minutes with all prices including parts specified. The shop also boasts an on-line quote assessment bay, which most insurance companies could not access both in Namibia and South Africa Arangies said system insurance companies based in Windhoek and abroad hugely benefited from the system by allowing their clients to go online to view and access any damages on vehicles and also to take pictures online. The pictures can also be printed immediately. He pointed out that assessors do not have to panic because the system is designed to assist insurance companies and clients to make decisions about the ordering and excisions of vehicle parts. Auto Tech also boasts of a formidable staff complement of 68 that receives regular training in their different fields of expertise, said Arangies.