The ninth edition of the Opuwo annual trade fair was blessed with the presence of President Hage Geingob, who said these events should be seen as conduits for business innovation.
Geingob said events such as this as well as other trade fairs must be viewed differently.
“No longer should they be seen as merely marketing platforms, but as conduits for business innovation and catalysts for diversified economic growth. It is events such as the Opuwo trade fair which should generate new and novel ways towards socio-economic development and the rebuilding of the local economy of Opuwo town and the Kunene region at large,” he stated.
The President last Friday remained optimistic that the event will showcase opportunities that exist in the region, and thereby attract much-needed investment for business opportunities in Opuwo and other areas within the region.
The trade fair took place from 25 to 30 April 2022 under the theme ‘Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities Towards a Shared Economic Vision Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic’.
The private sector is the engine of the economy and the primary driver of creative and innovative capacity needed to bring about and support sustainable, inclusive, job-led growth and development.
With this in mind, Geingob said the private sector continues to provide invaluable support to the Opuwo trade fair, making it the premier regional platform for both established and fledgling companies to broaden their appeal locally, regionally and internationally.
Furthermore, he was delighted to note that key stakeholders in the agricultural sector provided information and practical training to local farmers.
“This vital skills transfer will equip our local farmers with the necessary skills needed to enhance competence as a means of unlocking the economic potential in the agricultural sector. This is apt, given the fact that the Kunene region has been one of the worst-hit regions in terms of the devastating spells of drought that we have experienced over the past several years,” the President added.
At the same occasion, Opuwo mayor Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo said the trade fair has been a place for marketing and the selling of products at large. The town thus attracts investors and creates opportunities through business networking.
Mbinge-Tjeundo added that the chosen theme for the event set the tone perfectly well as they strive to continue building a competitive business environment to promote investment, local economic growth, creating jobs and enough income in town. This year, the trade fair attracted about 126 exhibitors, compared to 80 previously.