SWAKOPMUND – Economic development cannot take place in a vacuum, and trade platforms should be utilised to foster a spirit of integration and cooperation.
This call was made by President Hage Geingob during the official opening of the seventh edition of Swakopmund International Trade Expo (Swaitex) yesterday.
“This event plays a significant role in promoting cooperation and economic integration – and I believe that together, Namibia and Zambia can use this platform to advance bilateral relations, most specifically trade and investment, into a new era of enhanced cooperation,” he said.
“As Africa is marching towards prosperity, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, as encapsulated in Agenda 2063, we should be cognizant of the fact that we can only achieve the Africa we want through rapid economic development.”
The President and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, yesterday officially opened Swaitex as well as further enhance trade relations between the two countries.
Zambian and Namibian exhibitors are showcasing products and services at the expo under the theme ‘Towards a Shared Economic Vision’ to capitalise on the current business relations that exist between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the official opening, Geingob applauded the initiative, saying the focus of a “New Africa” is not only to consolidate peace and security but to also promote rapid development and enhance trade and investment opportunities in the continent as well.
Geingob said Namibia and Zambia have transformed tremendously over the past several decades, while the African continent – overall –has also undergone massive transformation with economic and social progression, bringing hope, prosperity and a better life for all Africans.
“Indeed, Africa is a continent that is rising and marching towards the ultimate realisation of the potential for its more than 1.2 billion people. Simultaneously, we are witnessing the emergence of a New Africa,” Geingob said. Hence, Swaitex plays a significant role in promoting cooperation and economic integration, saying the two countries can use the platform to advance bilateral relations, specifically trade and investment, into a new era of enhanced cooperation. According to the President, industrialisation will enable Africa to expand productive capacity, which, in turn, will help them make more efficient use of its natural resources for employment creation.
On his part, Hichilema appealed for a closer relationship for better trade facilitation between the two countries. He said such opportunities are important to increase investment and trade opportunities between the two countries. “We are delighted to be part of this important business promotion activity and want to indicate that what you have been putting together here is fantastic, fundamental and a vital necessity for the welfare of the people who put us in office,” the Zambian leader said. He then stressed the importance of smart partnerships between government and the private sector.
“Our intention is the same – to foster relations and enhance trade opportunities between our countries, as that is the only way we can create economic wealth for our countries, ‘’ he said.