The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has created a one-stop centre for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to easily access information on trade-related matters.
This trade information portal will allow businesses to access information ranging from regulations, laws and opportunities all in one place.
Trade deputy minister Verna Sinimbo, speaking during the launch yesterday, said the portal is the answer to a challenge many businesses face when it comes to getting information currently scattered among different government agencies.
“This is a government led initiative aimed at simplifying trade processes and enhancing compliance with regulatory obligations,” said Sinimbo.
She said the platform will ease the process of doing business for many SMEs currently struggling due to a lack of access to information.
“This lack of readily available information has been a barrier to trade and business growth in the country. However, the platform will create a more predictable trading environment,” said Sinimbo.
She added that the portal is linked to global platforms, therefore, making it easy for local businesses that want to trade internationally.
“The portal is linked to global platforms such as the Global Trade Desk Help, which further simplifies market research for businesses,” said Sinimbo.
The portal officially went live yesterday and is accessible on the trade ministry’s platform for free.
Trade ministry executive director Sikongo Haihambo says the portal not only provides information to local businesses but also to international businesses that want to import into the country.
Additionally, the portal has incorporated 80 trade-related legislations, reducing cost and time.
“There are over 80 trade-related legislations on the portal and more will be added as long as it talks to trade-related matters,” says Haihambo.
He adds that there are 280 trade measures and regulation documents that include tariffs and duties that businesses may incur across the import and export market.
The platform also offers an artificial intelligence tool that businesses can use to find key information on trade products across the world.
“There is a section for business-to-business interaction allowing collaboration, therefore, promoting business growth,” says Haihambo.
The platform was created with technical and financial assistance from the European Union (EU).
EU ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins says the platform will work to further strengthen trade relations between Namibia and the EU.
“Namibia and the EU have collaborated on a lot of platforms, however, the most successful has been the trade relationship,” says Martins.
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