EENHANA – Industrialisation and Trade minister Lucia Iipumbu said her ministry will remain committed to promoting local economic development activities and initiatives.
Speaking at the official opening of the 13th edition of the Eenhana Expo on Wednesday, she said trade expos are platforms where business networks and relationships are formed between customers, producers and suppliers that will sustain the survival of a business.
The Eenhana Expo is being held under the theme ‘Reviving local economy through business resilience, innovation and diversification’. It commenced on 31 July and ends tomorrow and has attracted about 200 exhibitors.
Iipumbu said her ministry will continue to support this exposition and others around the country as they play a role in community development to achieve national goals and objectives.
“The Namibian government believes that investments especially in the manufacturing, farming and agro-processing business sectors are key fundamentals to economic growth of our country. Therefore, investment in these sectors has the potential to assist in achieving desired economic growth and development and secure investment that can create sustainable employment in our communities,” she added.
In addition, Iipumbu said the ministry will strive to implement its mandate of supporting activities and programmes aimed at assisting existing upcoming and potential entrepreneurs to develop, grow and expand their businesses.
“We will further support new and aspiring entrepreneurs to conceptualise and translate their business ideas into bankable business plans and actual self employment businesses, especially those in the agricultural sector,” she said.
In a statement delivered on his behalf, Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya said the Eenhana Expo plays a vital role in strengthening the local business community.
“It fosters a sense of unity among local and national entrepreneurs as well as corporate and government institutions, encourages collaboration, and promotes economic growth. By supporting and showcasing local businesses, the expo contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the Eenhana town and the region at large,” he stressed.
Ndevashiya added that the Eenhana Expo is more than just a business event; it is a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and innovation.