Africa-Press – Namibia. The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has encouraged Lüderitz’s business community to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by investing in manufacturing and value-added processing to grow the town’s economy through increased trade.
The Minister made these remarks during the Regional Business Engagement held in Lüderitz, //Kharas Region. The event provided a platform for officials from the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, together with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, to engage directly with the local business community, raising awareness about the AfCFTA and the opportunities it presents.
“This consultation is intended to foster a conducive business environment and assist the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, to formulate and implement policies that directly impact the growth and development of local businesses, enabling them to capitalise on external markets,” she said.
She urged Lüderitz’s entrepreneurs to be proactive in identifying and seizing opportunities under the AfCFTA, for the benefit of both the local community and the nation at large. She highlighted increased local participation in the blue economy and the current trend of exporting raw materials without value addition as key considerations.
“Lüderitz should prioritise manufacturing and value addition for its abundant natural resources, creating economic growth through increased trade. Hence, we are engaging stakeholders and the business sector as part of our efforts to strategically align the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and beyond with the natural resources, products, and services produced in this region,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
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