OKAKARARA – Local entrepreneurs should not view the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair as just another showcasing event, but should look at it as a platform that has the potential to unlock business opportunities continentally and globally.
This was the message of Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Verna Sinimbo to the various exhibitors and farmers who were in attendance during yesterday’s official opening ceremony of the annual industrial and agricultural show.
“This event offers a platform for various commercial prospects by displaying technological advancements in several economic sectors. Hence, the theme of this year’s trade fair reflects the commitment and vision of the Okakarara Trade Fair Society of fostering an environment that encourages the promotion, marketing and collaboration of various sectors with a view to build a brighter future for our community, the region and our country,” said Sinimbo.
“Our ministry continues to pursue market access opportunities for our local produces, both in the domestic and international markets. To date, we have introduced several initiatives such as the Retail Charter that allows local Namibian products access to shelf spaces in local retail shops. And this trade fair is another opportunity for our local businesses to connect and access continental and global markets.”
Turning her attention to the farmers in attendance, Sinimbo placed special emphasis on the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which she said gives the Namibian meat market access to the likes of Ghana and the USA, as well as to the lucrative Norwegian and European markets.
AGOA is a piece of legislation that was approved by the U.S. Congress in 2000, which seeks to assist the economies of Sub-Saharan Africa and improve economic relations between the US and Africa.
After completing its initial 15-year period of validity, the AGOA legislation was extended in 2015 by a further 10 years, to 2025. The US president determines which Sub-Saharan African countries would be eligible for AGOA on an annual basis, and Namibia has since remained a beneficiary.
Each year, the US president evaluates the Sub-Saharan African countries and determines which countries should remain eligible. If a country graduates from AGOA, it automatically loses eligibility because it will then be regarded as a high-income country as defined by the World Bank.
“I, therefore, urge all our farmers to learn from other top breeders in order to upscale production and compete in this sought-after sector while we still have such privileges, and this event provides such opportunity and related information.”
- ohembapu@nepc.com.na