THE Okakarara Trade Fair received praise from various speakers at its 13th edition’s official opening.
Vice president Nangolo Mbumba, who is the patron of the trade fair, officially opened this year’s event. He expressed satisfaction with the growth of the fair, saying it is the best-organised fair in the entire Otjozondjupa region.
“This trade fair is the third-best organised event after those in Windhoek and Ongwediva,”
said Mbumba. The Okakarara show was founded in 2006, and continues to grow and de- velop into a symbol of empowerment to mostly livestock farmers from the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions. The event makes him happy, as its single goal is to create a vibrant platform of networking between the various small and medium entrepreneurs, Mbumba added.
It was during the official opening session that farmers also paraded their best small and large livestock for the locals and
visitors to see.
Otjozondjupa governor Otto Ipinge
said in a speech delivered on his behalf that the trade fair impresses him every year.
He observed that the event is standing on good ground as it aims to stimulate local economic develop- ment in the region, and eventually contribute to the overall economic
success of Namibia as exhibitors from Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, South Africa and Kenya were also present.
“Generally speaking, increased trade and industrialisation are our solution to addressing the social inequalities and consequently the creation of local wealth, economic growth and business competitiveness,” he said.
Ipinge urged the local farmers and entrepre- neurs to maximally utilise the opportunity and interact with the purpose of building business networks with others.
Okakarara Trade Fair society chief admini- strator Golden Katjatako told Nampa that a total of 98 exhibitors were participating.
He said there were 38 corporate companies, 35 SMEs and 25 kapana meat sellers.
The event, which ended yesterday, was expected to attract over 10 000 visitors, Kat- jatako added.
– Nampa
