Africa-Press – Namibia. THE economic headwinds that the country have faced should serve as a learning experience for all Namibians, this is according to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba.
Mbumba who was speaking on behalf of President Hage Geingob, made the remarks during the official opening of the Ongwediva trade fare held on Sunday.
Mbumba indicated that the outbreak of coronavirus led to the town hosting the trade fair in a hybrid format.
“The new model adopted by the Ongwediva Trade Fair, comprising a hybrid format of a physical conventional exhibition combined with a virtual platform, is highly impressive and demonstrates a commitment towards technological innovation,” he said.
He emphasised that at a time where the country is faced with numerous independent intervening variables and a global economic slowdown, they are challenged to think out of the box and develop new avenues for efficient and effective utilization of economic resources.
He indicated that over the past two decades, the Town of Ongwediva has grown in leaps and bounds, indicative of the rapid development that has taken place in Namibia since independence.
“Despite, this progress, we acknowledge that there is still much to be done,” he added.
Thus, Mbumba stated that their overall priority remains to achieve their long-term vision; that of an industrialised nation developed by human resources, with a healthy Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
Oshana governor Elia Irimari indicated that the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair is celebrating 20 years of Exhibition Excellency under the theme “Gearing for a Smart Economy”.
“I am proud to say that OATF has reached an incredible achievement of creating an International Trade Exhibition Platform that is truly engaging and promoting economic activities not just in Namibia, but all over the World,” he said.
Irimari added that this year, OATF provides Virtual Exhibition platforms, which is crucial for wider global exhibitors’ participation, and at the same time, in accelerating Namibia’s economic growth through the promotion of local products and services.
He added that it is gratifying to note that leading international and local companies, and modern technological innovations are
represented at this edition of OATF.
The prospects of growth and diversification of responsible economies directly depend on the nation’s ability to provide favourable, and conducive business climate for entrepreneurs to conduct business.
He indicated that the OATF has demonstrated this capacity, and he is confident that as a collective they will meet the strategic objectives and outcomes of the OATF 2022.
Meanwhile, MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus commended the OATF organizing committee for embracing technology and offering a hybrid trade fair experience for this year’s edition, indeed a good undertaking towards a smart economy.
“The hybrid approach means that the fair is now combining the best of two worlds – physically-present exhibitors and digital exhibitors from all over the world showcasing Namibian products and services beyond Ongwediva and the physical borders of Namibia,” he said.
He indicated that with digitalization, the OATF presents a great business platform that can attract more participation and a hive of entrepreneurial activities from macro, small, medium, and especially youth-led enterprises.
Erastus stated that the constant contribution in aiding the pursuit of business growth and development, both on a national, regional, and continental level, is exemplary and worthy of our support.
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