Maria David
TRADE fairs play a crucial role in driving the social and economic development of the nation, a move Namibians are all striving to achieve.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relation and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said if economic and social development is not moving forward, the security of the nation is under threat. She said that it thus requires national leaders to reflect deeply on how to bring everything on course to steer the communities forward for prosperity to be realised.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks during the official opening of the 15th Helao Nafidi Town Expo held on Thursday.
She indicated that people should appreciate the inseparable link between the community and leadership in development, and this is more significant to a place like Helao Nafidi, which is an urban and rural town.
“Events such as these demonstrates the capabilities of our communities and the great potential of our nation at large. They also serve as an assuring reminder that Namibia has all that it takes to achieve prosperity, interpersonal harmony, peace and political stability, which are key to achieving sustainable development in line with our national vision of 2030,” she said.
She added that no vision can materialize without all stakeholders committed to see it realised, and socio-economic development can never be sustainable if it does not have the ownership of the people. Hence, she highlighted the importance of collaboration between the general public and leadership at all levels.
Nandi-Ndaitwah then appealed to all valuable traders to play their part in helping them discover the hidden treasures they possess.
She also called on the young entrepreneurs to not give up on themselves, but to open up their mind and remain positive.
“I am fully aware of the frustration that may be there due to high unemployment in the country, which is a result of different facts, some of which are external such as the world economic recession, prolonged drought, and the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
She added that she strongly believes in persistence and with the right attitude, collaboration and a clear focus, they will be able to move the economy to a better level.
Town’s Mayor Darius Shaalukeni said they are doing everything possible to ensure that service is brought closer to the people.
Shaalukeni indicated that the expo is aimed at ensuring local traders are given platforms to market themselves with the hope of creating lasting relations with other traders.
