ONGWEDIVA – Deputy trade minister Verna Sinimbo said Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair takes great pride in promoting sustainable development – not only for the present but also for the generations to come.
“With a focus on environmentally-friendly initiatives, we must aim to strike a balance between economic prosperity and ecological harmony,” she said during the official opening of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair yesterday.
This year, the trade fair is being hosted under the theme, ‘Embracing a sustainable economy, linking smart markets’.
The event attracted about 418 local and international exhibitors, representing a fair number of the active economic sectors in the country, including the informal sector, which contributes significantly to the GDP.
Sinimbo stressed that this year’s trade fair is a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and consumers – all united in their pursuit of sustainable economic growth.
“It is through these connections that we can create smart markets, where knowledge and resource sharing are paramount to sustainability. Exhibitions, such as the OATF, amplify the industrial development policy of the government and encourage participants to take ownership of the process,” she noted.
The deputy minister urged organisers of the fair to work closely with the responsible government ministries, offices and agencies to promote OATF internationally and to attract more international exhibitors, especially from those we can tap valuable opportunities and know-how to enhance the economy.
“Moreover, it has enabled us to create formidable networks that bind us together while promoting economic prosperity,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the 22nd OATF came with visible innovations from the organising committee and exhibitors alike, making this trade fair a unique and illustrious exhibition platform in the Namibian business calendar.
“This platform calls for the private sector to take ownership through the creation of various smart links, which ultimately contribute to the growth of the event,” he added.
The trade fair ends on Saturday.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na