Opening the 20th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair on Sunday, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, on behalf of President Hage Geingob, urged the organisers of the trade fair to work closely with government ministries and all relevant stakeholders to promote the OATF and attract more international exhibitors, especially those from whom valuable knowledge is gained on enhancing economic performance.
“We are all aware that Namibia’s economic outlook has not been favourable in recent years. The global economy has experienced a slowdown, which placed tremendous economic pressure on developing nations such as Namibia,” he noted.
Geingob said to make matters worse, a period of relentless drought exacerbated the situation.
However, as of late, there are green shoots on the horizon and things indicate that we are headed towards recovery.
He added that the economic headwinds Namibia has faced should serve as a learning experience for all.
“In light of recent events, it is crucial that government, the private sector, labour unions and civil society work together to develop positive solutions that will enable our economy to become more robust and resistant to external shocks in future,” he explained.
Oshana governor Elia Irimari said he is also glad to note that this year OATF provides for virtual exhibition platforms, which is crucial for wider global exhibitors’ participation and in accelerating Namibia’s economic growth through the promotion of local products and services.
“It is gratifying to note that leading international and local companies, as well as modern technological innovations are represented at this edition of OATF,” he said.
He stated the prospects of growth and diversification of responsible economies directly depend on the nation’s ability to provide a favourable and conducive business climate for entrepreneurs to conduct business.
“The OATF has demonstrated this capacity, and I am confident that as a collective, we will meet the strategic objectives and outcomes of the OATF 2022,” said Irimari.
The council’s spokesperson Jackson Muma said the popular fair has not taken place during the last two years because of the restrictions enforced to curb Covid-19.
OATF commences on Thursday and ends on 1 September.
He added at least 350 exhibitors from various economic sectors locally and internationally are expected to showcase their products and services on the ground, with the option of a virtual exhibition.
“The inclusion of the virtual exhibition platform cements the OATF’s objective of being a proactive force and a vehicle for Namibia’s economic growth by promoting quality products and services through technological evolution,” Muma noted.
The virtual format is an alternative method of the online exhibition, signifying the need to transform from the traditional way of conducting business to a modernised way of online business networking hence the theme ‘Gearing for a Smart Economy’.
“Since it is the first time that the Ongwediva annual trade fair is being conducted in a hybrid format, the organising committee is excited to introduce the concept and set new trends in the exhibition industry in the country,” enthused Muma.
The virtual fair is a platform that helps organisations reach global audiences.
“The platform offers an intuitive virtual experience, along with interactive features such as audio/video chat. The virtual trade fair speaks to current realities dictated by various factors, including the ever-changing technological environment, and reaching out to wider regional and international markets,” he added.