The Minister of International Relations and Trade highlighted partnerships to tackle youth unemployment, trade inequalities and the development of Namibia's nuclear energy sector during her visit to China.

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi held several side meetings at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) trade ministers meeting held in Changsha, China, recently.

The minister highlighted the need for value addition to mineral resources, citing the development of nuclear energy from the country's resourceful uranium industry.

Most nuclear power plants use enriched uranium as their fuel to produce electricity.

"Namibia is the third largest producer of uranium. We have the source material, but we need the skills, and we need the technology. And China has agreed to work with us along that way, because in addition to mining, we need to engage the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. And China is a permanent member."

Ashipala-Musavyi further said the importance of FOCAC cannot be overemphasised on the African continent, including Namibia.  

The forum remains a strategically important partnership for both Namibia and China.

"Events like this are eye-openers for us to see what other countries are doing. To draw on experience and adapt it back home, so that we can create growth at home. So this afternoon, I just met the assistant minister of trade of China, where we went into the details of trade between our two countries. We have agreed that there is a trade imbalance that our two countries need to address. China has agreed to give us more market access for our products. I have emphasised that what we need is value addition to our mineral resources. And we are going now to sit down and see the details, what the processes are that we need to embark upon. So the opportunities are there to be taken advantage of. And I'm happy that Namibia is here for its voice to be heard."