Platform for economic discussion launched

NAMIBIA’S first business consultative and advisory platform has come into force and aims to boost the country’s economic position and its participation in international trade.

The Namibian Trade Forum (NTF) was launched in Windhoek yesterday where the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), the Namibia Manufacturers Association (NMA) and the Indigenous Business Forum (IBF) each signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The establishment of the forum is in line with calls from both the Government and the private sector to work together – including other relevant stakeholders like workers – in discussing economic matters and on the formulating of policies that affect trade.The forum will also seek to close the gap between the private sector and the Government, and enhance co-operation as the country moves forward in its attempt to be industrialised by 2030.In devising the NTF, special focus was placed on positioning Namibia competitively on the international trade and investment arenas.The forum will ensure that future negotiations of trade and investment agreements and issues of major economic consequence will be presented and discussed by the NTF before the Government takes a final decision.Trade and Industry Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko said globalisation was irreversible and Namibia needed to expand and diversify and market its products aggressively.The Minister said a number of areas needed to be examined and developed and working together with the relevant stakeholders would boost the country’s economy.He told the gathering: “Indeed I would to concur with the view that we (Government) have seemingly not allocated sufficient means to ensure that those who venture into manufacturing are guided along the stormy and tricky road to become successful businesses.”This is an area in which we will have to look much deeper and with your advice and guidance on the right policy approach, we will be able to offer a comprehensive package.”The NCCI – the umbrella body for local businesses – welcomed the idea.The organisation’s Vice President, Andre Neethling, said the only way the NTF would be successful in its objective for Namibia’s economic development was by having all stakeholders become equal partners with no single or particular dominant force.”If we work as a team, there is no reason not to find success,” said Neethling.The IBF and NMA took a similar stance, saying their organisations were ready to be part of the forum as it would benefit their members.The IBF was represented by its President, John Akapandi Endjala, while NMA’s Chairman, Flip Welman, was there for the manufacturers.Endjala said the IBF would ensure that all its members, including those at grassroots level in the regions, were part of the trade forum.He challenged those in attendance to complement the Government’s efforts towards eradicating corruption, saying the focus should also be on the private sector and not the public sector alone.The NTF, which will be of a consultative and advisory nature, will meet every two months to deliberate on trade and investment issues.The establishment of the forum is in line with calls from both the Government and the private sector to work together – including other relevant stakeholders like workers – in discussing economic matters and on the formulating of policies that affect trade.The forum will also seek to close the gap between the private sector and the Government, and enhance co-operation as the country moves forward in its attempt to be industrialised by 2030.In devising the NTF, special focus was placed on positioning Namibia competitively on the international trade and investment arenas.The forum will ensure that future negotiations of trade and investment agreements and issues of major economic consequence will be presented and discussed by the NTF before the Government takes a final decision.Trade and Industry Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko said globalisation was irreversible and Namibia needed to expand and diversify and market its products aggressively.The Minister said a number of areas needed to be examined and developed and working together with the relevant stakeholders would boost the country’s economy.He told the gathering: “Indeed I would to concur with the view that we (Government) have seemingly not allocated sufficient means to ensure that those who venture into manufacturing are guided along the stormy and tricky road to become successful businesses.”This is an area in which we will have to look much deeper and with your advice and guidance on the right policy approach, we will be able to offer a comprehensive package.”The NCCI – the umbrella body for local businesses – welcomed the idea.The organisation’s Vice President, Andre Neethling, said the only way the NTF would be successful in its objective for Namibia’s economic development was by having all stakeholders become equal partners with no single or particular dominant force.”If we work as a team, there is no reason not to find success,” said Neethling.The IBF and NMA took a similar stance, saying their organisations were ready to be part of the forum as it would benefit their members.The IBF was represented by its President, John Akapandi Endjala, while NMA’s Chairman, Flip Welman, was there for the manufacturers.Endjala said the IBF would ensure that all its members, including those at grassroots level in the regions, were part of the trade forum.He challenged those in attendance to complement the Government’s efforts towards eradicating corruption, saying the focus should also be on the private sector and not the public sector alone.The NTF, which will be of a consultative and advisory nature, will meet every two months to deliberate on trade and investment issues.