WALVIS BAY – Erongo region governor Neville Andre Itope has emphasised the crucial role integration plays in today’s globalised world, as it allows countries to tap into new markets, expand their reach and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Itope noted that by integrating industries with regional and international markets, Namibia can leverage economies of scale, access new technologies, and enhance competitiveness.
“Integration also promotes knowledge transfer and fosters collaboration among businesses, leading to increased productivity and innovation. Additionally, investing in infrastructure development will improve connectivity within our region and beyond, enabling smoother trade flows,” he expressed.
The governor was speaking at the opening of the 15th edition of the Erongo Business and Tourism Exposition in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, which is being held under the theme ‘Integrate, Industrialise and Innovate’.
The four-day expo serves as a platform for all members of the economic value chain to discuss and explore ways to enhance industrialisation efforts, promote trade integration, and foster innovation in the region’s economy.
Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes said if properly managed and coordinated, expos of this nature can also mean the renewal of urban and rural areas and the preservation and promotion of natural resources and cultural heritage.
“I hope that the stimulation of our economy through events such as the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo will revive our tourism industry to what it used to be pre-Covid and other events that I will not mention here today, as well as create new business ideas and opportunities, especially for our SMEs,” he expressed.
There are 150 exhibitors at this year’s expo, an increase from last year, including international exhibitors from Kenya and Tanzania.
In addition to the trade and expo platform, the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo Symposium in conjunction with New Era Publication Corporation, Namibia Training Authority and the Social Security Commission are hosting plenary sessions that are scheduled to end today.
- Nampa