Staff Reporter
CABINET has outlined strategic directives for Namibian offices, ministries, and agencies to enhance collaboration with China.
These directives were detailed during a recent briefing on cabinet decisions by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus.
She announced that Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO), in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, and the National Planning Commission, to engage with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China regarding China’s commitment to providing financial assistance worth 270 million Yuan. This support is aimed at bolstering Namibia’s economic development, drought relief efforts, and military needs.
Theofelus further announced that Cabinet has directed all offices, ministries, and agencies to study the Beijing Joint Declaration of the Beijing Summit and the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027). These entities are expected to identify areas requiring technical assistance and capacity-building in alignment with the Ten Partnership Initiatives for FOCAC modernisation and to submit their findings to MIRCO.
The minister highlighted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has been specifically instructed to ensure Namibia’s active participation in the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods Initiative.
“Cabinet directed the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to establish a FOCAC Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the FOCAC proposed projects, in line with the Ten Partnership Initiatives,” Theofelus said.
She also announced that Cabinet has mandated MIRCO to draft a National Strategy Paper to guide Namibia’s participation in the 10th FOCAC Summit.
“Cabinet directed the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, in consultation with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation and relevant stakeholders, to consider the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, proposed by the People’s Republic of China,” she added.
