Selma Gumbo

OPUWO – The Opuwo business community last week engaged with trade minister Lucia Ipumbu. The meeting was held to deliberate on how the ministry, together with key community stakeholders, can work together to sustainably pursue economic development.

During the event, participants focussed on three critical aspects for input from the community that impact local consumers and entrepreneurs. 

These focal points were the National Consumer Protection Policy, with a special emphasis on consumer rights; the administration of the Liquor Act, considering the high number of small businesses involved in alcohol retailing, and the draft Namibia Investment Promotion and Facility bill. 

At the meeting, Ipumbu noted the ministry is mandated to promote trade and investment as well as industrial development to enhance socio-economic development. 

“The main aim is to educate the public at large on the Liquor Act (No. 6 of 1998), national consumer protection policy as well as the protection bill – that is our quest for industrialisation. I encourage all the participants to deliberate and give their input on the Consumer Protection Bill,” said the trade minister.

In his welcoming address, Kunene regional governor Marius Sheya encouraged the business community to work together.