Rosh Pinah Expo hailed as success

THE Regional Councillor for the Oranjemund Constituency, Toivo Nampala, has called on entrepreneurs to explore ways to weather the global financial storm.

Speaking at the third Rosh Pinah Expo on Friday, Nampala said concerted efforts are needed to survive the impact of the global economic crisis. ‘We cannot wait for Government to act alone,’ he said. ‘At a local economy level, like here in Rosh Pinah, ways must be found to ensure that the wheels of commerce and industry continue,’ Nampala added. He said market access events such as the Expo are vital because they boost socio-economic growth. He said the cornerstone of any local economy is its enterprises, which are the creators of wealth and jobs.Nampala further called for a pro-active approach to expand the town’s tourism industry.He complimented Roshkor, a local town management company, for promoting investment opportunities in the tourism sector. The Director of SMEs Compete, Danny Meyer, described this year’s Expo as huge success. According to Meyer, the number of exhibitors has been growing each year since the first Expo was held in 2007.He said more local exhibitors took part this year. ‘This is a sign that the local economic development is growing at Rosh Pinah,’ Meyer remarked. About 70 per cent of the exhibitors are local.Meyer further said that he was encouraged by the cross-section of community that attended the Expo. He singled out the stands of the Nama Padloper Route and Windhoek-based Josephine Leather Products as among the best.The Nama Padloper Route, a local tourism initiative, showcased various tourism routes at its stand, said Meyer. Meyer expressed concerned over the lack of State-owned enterprises and parastatals at this year’s Expo. luqman@namibian.com.na