Namibia has welcomed India's proposal under the "Pharmacy of the World" initiative to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility locally.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made this statement during discussions with India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at State House.
The "Pharmacy of the World" initiative recognises India's role in supplying vaccines and collaborating in the health sector with more than 100 countries worldwide.
"This initiative would significantly enhance regional health security and aligns with Namibia's goal of strengthening domestic production capacities in health. We are eager to finalise the outstanding Memoranda of Understanding in health cooperation. We are equally encouraged by India's proposal to establish a Namibia-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre. We believe this centre will serve as a motivation for innovation, skills development, and entrepreneurship, especially for youth and women."
The Namibian and Indian governments have been urged to do more to develop and capitalise on their trade and investment potential to enhance cooperation.
Sectors identified for enhanced cooperation are green hydrogen and clean energy, mining and value addition, agriculture, oil and gas, and others.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Namibia-India Joint Trade Committee constitutes valuable mechanisms to help realise a number of initiatives in this regard.
The fourth session of the Namibia-India Joint Trade Committee is likely to be held later this month.
"This is all in line with our broader national agenda to attract meaningful foreign direct investment, further diversify our export basket, and improve terms of trade with the view of accelerating economic development, to offer much-needed employment, especially for our youth, reduce poverty, and provide a dignified life for all our people."
Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the joint stance of the two countries for multilateralism to remain at the centre of global affairs and advocated for reform of key multilateral institutions to better respond to current global challenges.
"It is also important for our two countries to maintain regular consultations on vital issues such as the need for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral institutions. We share the same conviction of a fairer, equitable, representative, and democratic UN Security Council reflective of the current geopolitical realities and therefore should unite to ensure that the desired reforms take place as soon as possible. The Global South must have permanent representation and a voice on the United Nations Security Council so that it reflects global demographics and realities."
Prime Minister Modi described Namibia as a trusted African partner and expressed satisfaction with the growth of bilateral trade.
He further pledged India's support through its Quick Impact development projects in targeted sectors of agriculture, ICT, cybersecurity, education, and women's empowerment.
The leaders signed two Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of health and entrepreneurship, following the conclusion of official talks.