Last year, the total trade between Namibia and China stood at N$22.1 billion.
The Executive Director in the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade, Sikongo Haihambo, says this represents an increase of 28.1% compared to the previous year.
Haihambo, who was speaking at the China-Namibia Business Network in Windhoek, says China is one of Namibia's leading trading partners in the world, falling to third position in terms of exports and second position in the top countries Namibia imports from.
"Chinese investment plays a pivotal role in various sectors of our economy, contributing to infrastructural development, technology transfer, and employment opportunities for our people. Notably, the Belt and Road initiative has paved the way for connectivity and economic integration, opening doors for increased trade and investment flows between our nations."
Namibia plans to participate in the upcoming China International Import Expo scheduled for November this year in Shanghai, China.
The Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, vowed that China will pay more attention to the actual needs of Namibia's social and economic development and do its best to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas that are priorities for Namibia.
"There are now 56 Chinese companies operating in Namibia and a total of about 1700 Chinese nationals living here, a lot of them being owners of small businesses of various kinds, who have created more than 10,000 jobs for the local Namibian people. The Chinese-owned Huasab and Rossing Uranium have contributed to about 7% of Namibia's GDP, and Huasab Uranium alone has paid N$1,53 billion in tax to the Namibian Government in 2021. These are some of the important indicators of the strength of China-Namibian economic cooperation."
He further emphasised that China welcomes more Namibian products to enter its market.
Since 2019, China has imported live oysters, lobsters, and beef from Namibia.
"Currently, relevant government authorities of our two countries are in close consultations on China's importing of Namibian deep sea red crabs, abalone, mutton, grapes, and frozen lobsters and oysters."
He also called on Chinese companies operating in Namibia to respect the local laws, regulations, and culture of Namibia.