Germany increases Nam development aid

TALKS between the Namibian and German governments concluded in Windhoek yesterday.

In addition to the approximately N$108 million in development aid that Germany committed last year, a further amount of N$370 million was announced during the negotiations. The total assistance for the years 2005 and 2006 thus amounts to approximately N$480 million, which is a large increase compared to N$180 million in the years 2003 and 2004.The German development cooperation will concentrate on the transport sector, natural resources management and rural development, including land reform and the promotion of the economy.N$240 million is a concessional loan agreement for the expansion for the Walvis Bay harbour.This particular investment will considerably strengthen the growth prospects of the Namibian economy, the two delegations said.Another N$24 million was announced as a special contribution to the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme.An agreement on financial co-operation in support of infrastructure investments related to land reform was also signed.The first trance of the N$41 million earmarked for this will be released soon.Both sides furthermore expressed their preparedness to sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future.The next governmental negotiations will be held in Germany next year.The total assistance for the years 2005 and 2006 thus amounts to approximately N$480 million, which is a large increase compared to N$180 million in the years 2003 and 2004.The German development cooperation will concentrate on the transport sector, natural resources management and rural development, including land reform and the promotion of the economy.N$240 million is a concessional loan agreement for the expansion for the Walvis Bay harbour.This particular investment will considerably strengthen the growth prospects of the Namibian economy, the two delegations said.Another N$24 million was announced as a special contribution to the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme.An agreement on financial co-operation in support of infrastructure investments related to land reform was also signed.The first trance of the N$41 million earmarked for this will be released soon.Both sides furthermore expressed their preparedness to sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future.The next governmental negotiations will be held in Germany next year.