By Eveline de Klerk
SWAKOPMUND – Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob has urged Namibian diplomats to continuously seek ways to build relations that would benefit the country.
Geingob was addressing the closing ceremony of the five-day Seventh Conference of Heads of Mission, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the theme “Enhancing Economic Diplomacy in Pursuance of Namibia’s Foreign Policy.”
The conference, which was officially opened last week Monday by President Hifikepunye Pohamba, was attended by Namibian diplomats, consuls and former diplomats to review the implementation of the country’s foreign policy and adopt other policy documents that will further enhance efficiency of foreign services.
Geingob said Namibia’s foreign policy is premised on the country’s domestic policy and therefore it is imperative for diplomats to be fully conversant with the socio-economic needs and aspirations of Namibians.
“I am pleased that you had the opportunity to hear from the economic line ministries as well as the private sector about the priority areas and opportunities prevailing in Namibia, which require your active insolvent in marketing these abroad,” the prime minister said.
Geingob said there used to be a time when the role of diplomats was only ceremonial and administrative.
“Times have changed. Ambassadors have become more than that. They are expected to possess both geo-political, socio-economic and good business acumen. They must be able to fit into the culture of the country they will be based in. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we choose people that will deliver,” Geingob explained.
Geingob said government wants to see the country’s representatives achieve the goals set by government.
“The days that ambassadors stand around and have cocktails are over. The relations you build outside your office is what you will be judged on. Do you link up with influential people, and how many of them visited the country with possible investment, are what we will be looking at,” he stated.
He said Africa is billed as the new economic frontier and it is important that heads of mission prioritize promotion of trade and investment.
“Namibia is a boutique country that needs to be marketed effectively. We need to source niche markets for our fish, rock lobster, beef, beer, grapes and dates, to name a few. We need to continuously intensify the marketing of our tourism sector and the trans-frontier parks. We should also not forget the tremendous potential Namibia offers in areas of energy, while promoting value addition,” he stressed.
The prime minister said in some instances officials are also sent to network and market the country but end up in hotel rooms . “Do we need to use taxpayers’ money like that? Your are an economic ambassador for your country. How would you attract investors if you keep on hiding in your hotel room instead of networking?” stated the premier
He urged those attending the conference to seek investment opportunities. According to Geingob the appearance and knowledge of ambassadors could mean the difference between a billion-dollar investment coming to Namibia or going elsewhere.
“Therefore an ambassador in today’s globally competitive world should be at ease when dealing with issues, including economic ones. It would be an embarrassment for an ambassador not to know the gross domestic product or per capita income of his or her country. Most importantly, you need to know your country and key facts that can sell the country. You should start selling the country as if you are an economist,” he said.
In addition to staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conference was attended by 26 current heads of mission, 25 honorary consuls, two consul-generals and 23 former heads of mission.