CHANGSHA – Erongo governor Andre Itope says his region has and is undergoing several enhancements in terms of infrastructure development to ensure it continues being Namibia’s bridge for the smooth trading of goods both regionally and globally.
Itope added that Erongo remains a vital access point for a wide range of businesses as well as an economic hub with several interests in the southern African region.
“The region as a whole is a powerful network that is a trade path linking SADC and we will continue to enhance capacity by building infrastructure to suit the need of projects coming into the country,” said Itope at the third China Africa Economic and Trade Expo that took place in the Chinese city of Changsha.
The expo is committed to building a new mechanism for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation and the implementation of economic and trade projects.
The expo, themed ‘Common Development for a Shared Future’, focuses on nine programmes for China-Africa cooperation and includes various events in various forms, attracting thousands of participants, including Chinese and African dignitaries and diplomats, representatives of international organisations, financial institutions, business associations, chambers of commerce, media, entrepreneurs, experts and scholars.
Said Itope: “We have a very good international airport, a very progressive harbour which not only connects us to the SADC region but to the rest of the international market”.
He added that Walvis Bay alone has a connection catering to the entire African continent and China.
“We are expanding the road network, especially with the new 40 kilometres dual carriage Hifikepunye Pohamba Highway, formerly known as the MR44, which connects Swakopmund and Walvis Bay behind Dune 7,” said Itope.
“We are also in the process of expanding the highway between Hentis Bay, Uis and other towns, which will be a link to the Zambezi region,” Itope added.
“One of the biggest Africa China investments is the Husab Mine. We are here to find out what can be done to strengthen the relationship between China and Namibia in terms of trade and investment,” said the regional governor.
Itope added he feels that with these ventures, it is crucial for states to equally benefit from partnerships, especially with projects like lithium mining.
“We would also like to see that some of these raw materials can be produced and finished into products in Namibia. We want to see local supplies from Namibia with the assistance of the Chinese experts, and this should be done in a win-win partnership, where Namibians can benefit from the resources,” Itope insisted.
He continued that Namibia takes pride in exporting raw beef to China, with the Chinese market recognised as the world’s fastest-growing, specifically in the meat and beef sectors.
Itope said this is a sign of greater affluence, which is positively associated with increased consumption of mostly animal protein. “There is a need to review the agreed MoU with China to make trade easier for Namibian exporters and producers, and for the country’s delegations in China to represent the interests of Namibian exporters as well as promote agricultural exports, particularly on beef,” said Itope.
At the same occasion, Namibia’s ambassador to China, George Kaiyamo said over 33 years of independence, the relationship between Namibia and China has grown from strength to strength.
“Namibia is a beneficiary country of the Forum of China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and is party to the Belt and Road Initiative, because of the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between Namibia and China,” said Kaiyamo.
He added Namibia is a beautiful country, with diverse cultures and contrasting landscapes that can be a place to call home away from home, and which is rich in natural resources.
Kaiyamo emphasised that the Namibia Embassy in China is open to facilitating the common development of the countries for a shared prosperous future, adding it is platforms like the China Africa Economic and Trade Expo that will pave the way to mutual development.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na