Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa on Tuesday officially opened the Rundu Annual Trade Fair 2023.
The sixth edition of the trade fair kicked off on Thursday last week under the theme “Innovation and Investment – Paving the way to Rundu’s revived economic prosperity.”
The theme aims to highlight Rundu Town Council’s dedication to fostering innovation, investment, growth, development and economic prosperity in the region.
During his keynote address, Mutorwa, who doubles as the patron of the trade fair, emphasized the importance of trade fairs, saying that they provide the necessary platforms for businesses and organizations to share relevant information about their products, goods and services with the public.
“I urge us all to work towards a solid, unbreakable, continuous working relationship, among and between government, the traditional authorities, church leaders, workers, organizations and schools, to beat the enemies of socio economic development and progress in our country, regions, constituencies, villages, settlements and family homes, namely unemployment, poverty, hunger and disease,” he said.
About 114 exhibitors registered to exhibit at this year’s fair, an improvement from last year, when only 103 exhibitors took part.
The chairperson of the organising committee, Francisca Kupembona, said the strategic location of Rundu is a gateway to the Kavango East Region and elsewhere within Namibia and beyond.
She said Rundu’s strategic location solidifies its significance as a centre for economic activities, making it an encouraging destination for tourists and other visitors alike.
“The trade fair is thus a vital component of our strategy to drive development in our town and this region in general,” she said.
“In terms of the trade fair, the attraction figures are testimony to the fact that we are winners. This year, the main exhibition hall is full to capacity with new companies coming on board such as Lesthego Bank, Specs Savers, Food Link, a company that is also engaged in value addition, under the flagship of Undera Investment, the Environmental Investment Fund and Nantu likwafela, Macarius Technologies and Mboma street wear,” Kupembona said.
Kupembona displayed her appreciation to the exhibitors.
“I am confident that you will not regret your decisions, because we also need your services here, be it those that come at a cost, or services such as those rendered by government ministries and agencies. We also regard information dissemination as key to this trade fair, so that the visitors are informed about the various services that they might not be aware of,” concluded the chairperson.
The trade fair is expected to end on Saturday, 4 November 2023.
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