WALVIS BAY – The Erongo region as a brand can have a large impact on its gross domestic product and economic growth. However, the inhabitants of the region should realise and capitalise on the region’s potential and opportunities.
This was the message of Erongo governor Neville Andre during the launch of the region’s profile on Thursday in Swakopmund.
The Namibian constitution and the National Planning Commission Act mandated the National Planning Commission to spearhead the course of development in all 14 regions.
This translates to the profiling of the regions to provide an overview of their socio-economic landscape that will assist with strategic developmental initiatives, while evaluating the desire for investment.
The 100-page document – available on the Erongo regional council’s website – provides crucial information for existing and potential investors, policymakers, planners, stakeholders, institutions and the community at large. The document is expected to provide insight into the domestic environment of the region.
The governor said the profile is essential in terms of development, maintaining a strong positive corporate brand of the region.
“Thus, if we want to remain in competitive advantage, we need to strengthen our service delivery effectively and efficiently. Hence, this profile is to draw the attention of potential investors, domestic and foreign, and residents and tourists to the ultimate opportunities that our region can offer,” Andre observed.
Erongo as defined in the profile is the gateway to the rest of Namibia and the world due to the strategic roles the Walvis Bay international airport as well as Namport plays by linking not only Africa, but the rest of the world through the region.
“Therefore, the profile is sharing the different economic activities taking place in the region,” he added.