Vice President Lucia Witbooi has highlighted the significance of trade fairs, by emphasising that they go beyond buying and selling.
Witbooi shared this during the official opening of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair, noting that trade fairs empower and strengthen regional economic growth.
The event is being held under the theme "Empowering Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Growth".
She highlighted that the theme is timely and visionary because it reflects Rundu's commitment to building a self-sustaining, inclusive, and competitive economy in Namibia.
"This year's theme aligns with the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which prioritises industrialisation, value addition, innovation, and entrepreneurship as pillars of our national transformation. It also reinforces Vision 2030, which aims to transform our country into a prosperous, industrialised and knowledge-based economy. Namibia is a member of seven trade organisations, both in Africa and worldwide, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Southern African Customs Union, the Southern African Development Community and the World Trade Organisation. This organisation works to increase trade within Africa and improve Africa's position in global trade by uniting African countries in negotiations. I am uploading information about our international exhibitors who are here to contribute to our shared vision of improving our lives."
The Vice President further added that with continued investment, Rundu can become a regional hub of trade and development that benefits not only the people of this region but the nation at large.
She also appreciated the exhibitors, saying, "We recognise that sustainable growth begins at the grassroots in our towns, villages and communities. Through platforms like the Rundu Annual Trade Fair, we strengthen our local economy, promote entrepreneurship, create employment and stimulate cross-border trade. These are the building blocks for resilience, prosperity, and national unity. I therefore call upon the business community to seize the opportunity that this trade fair presents."
Fransiska Kupembona, Chairperson of the Rundu Annual Trade Fair Committee, shared that since the RATF started in 2016, the event has shown significant improvement.
"The strategic location of Rundu as a gateway to the Kavango East Region and elsewhere both in Namibia and beyond the borders of our country further solidifies its significance as a centre for economic activities, making it an encouraging destination for tourists and other visitors."
This year, the trade fair attracted 206 exhibitors, including some from other African countries such as Tanzania, Cameroon and Kenya, compared to 133 exhibitors last year.
The fair will end on Sunday.