China says it is committed to increasing trade with Namibia beyond the US$1 billion (N$18 billion) attained last year, through enhanced collaborations in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism and mining.
Official statistics show that from January to September 2023, China-Namibia bilateral trade volume reached N$18 billion, an increase of 29% over the same period of 2022.
“We are fully committed to working and strengthening trade bilateral relations with Namibia, and this year (2024) we aim to perform even better. We have many Chinese business personnel that are willing to collaborate,” Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said at the Chinese Spring Festival.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Utoni Nujoma said Namibia is open to leveraging China’s fast-growing economy, including renewable energy and Artificial Intelligence.
“We have seen how China’s economy has grown, surpassing that of Japan and the Western countries, and as it stands, they are now the biggest producers of batteries which are needed as the world looks at decarbonisation. Therefore, we are hopeful to benefit through the collaboration, as Namibia has also made it a point that all its natural resources should undergo value addition before exporting. Hence this will result in job creation, while also attracting more foreign direct investments,” said Nujoma.
“We know China is hungry for raw materials, hence that is an opportunity for us to strategise on how we can maximise benefits though maintaining a win-win (deal) because when people need something from you, there is a need for robust negotiations for a better deal. We also take cognisance of China’s support to Namibia in education, health and construction, but it is still not enough.”
Nujoma further voiced concern about the effects of climate change, highlighting that China can be a good partner in tackling this threatening issue.
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