SWAKOPMUND – Three local authorities in Erongo, Omaruru, Karibib and Usakos will host their first ever joint trade expo later this month in Omaruru.
This is after the three towns signed an agreement to cooperate and collaborate in matters pertaining to technical, economic, social, financial, human resources, and governance due to their close proximity.
On Monday, the trio launched the maiden expo to be known as the Omaruru, Karibib, Usakos Local Authorities Cooperation (OKULAC) rotational annual festival in Swakopmud.
“It is through such exposure that we come to know more about our producers, what they produce, their needs to grow and prosper, and the other potentials in various sectors to be explored and exploited for the benefit of our citizens.
Our people need jobs, income, food, education, good health, and other economic and social benefits. Therefore, we need to create wealth and distribute it equitably by sharing knowledge and expertise,” Erongo governor Neville Andre said during the
launch.
The festival is expected to take place from 27 September to 30 September.
The trade fair is expected to bring together service providers, farmers, entrepreneurs, experts and government entities together to market and explore opportunities for the towns to stimulate further economic growth.
According to the governor, trade fairs in their nature support national efforts towards economic diversification.
“I am, therefore, pleased that these towns in Erongo liaise and collaborate on matters pertaining to technical, economic, social, financial, human resources, and governance cooperation while conforming to the respective by-laws and policies of the parties as governed by the Local Authorities Act,” Andre said.
The governor then appealed to residents in Erongo to attend the first ever joint trade fair en masse.
Also speaking at the same occasion was Omaruru mayor Vincent Kahua, who was optimistic that the OKULAC agreement will unite and benefit the three towns.
He added the cooperation between the three authorities will allow the towns to render support in key areas such as training and exchange of knowledge.
“This is a great opportunity for us to foster relations and bring much needed development by also attracting visitors to our towns,” Kahua said.