George Sanzila
National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi said Namibia stands to benefit immensely from being a member of the BRICS group of countries.
Katjavivi made these remarks recently during the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He revealed that even though Namibia was not yet a member of the bloc, its level of trade with current member countries has considerably improved.
“Therefore, Namibia already benefits immensely from BRICS countries, and joining the bloc would amplify and even provide more growth and expansion,” said Katjavivi.
According to the speaker, the expected expansion of the bloc which currently accounts for more than 40% of the world population and over 25% of the global GDP, would result in immeasurable economic activities.
He implored African countries to capitalise on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in order to increase economic activities and achieve sustainable development for the continent to liberate itself economically.
Katjavivi further reminded fellow lawmakers about the importance of collaboration and the role of the legislature in fostering economic growth and expansion.
“This forum presents an opportunity for us as parliaments in the developing world to connect with each other and establish linkages. Such linkages will hopefully mutually benefit our quest to represent, enact, and oversee financial and economic legislation that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of our people cognisant of the ongoing expansion of the bloc.”
The BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held under the theme ‘Harnessing Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to Deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership for Accelerated Implementation of the Africa Free-Trade Agreement’.
BRICS is a group of five major emerging economies focusing on economic cooperation and increasing multilateral trade and development among the bloc. Member countries currently include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. From over 40 countries who have so far expressed interest in joining the bloc, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become members of BRICS.
* George Sanzila is a chief information officer at the National Assembly.