The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, says the protection of consumer rights ranks high on the ministry's agenda.

Iipumbu addressed a stakeholders' meeting to discuss the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill, the Consumer Protection Policy, and the Liquor Act Administration and Licensing at Swakopmund.

In her address, Ipumbu says there is a need for the government to enact a consumer protection law without delay to cater for consumers' interests.

"We have noted the cohesion between law enforcement and the traders. That is why we are here today to explain this law to you so that we can all agree on how to apply it in the future. In the end, there is a consumer who is supposed to be the beneficiary of these laws. Consumers' rights are also, in many aspects, violated. Consumers have the right to drink their alcohol, but they also have the responsibility and the duty that their intoxication does not betray the rights of the next person."

Also speaking at the event was the Governor of the Erongo Region, Neville Andre.

"In our region, this is very important legislation, which is critical in ensuring that the liquor industry is indeed properly regulated and that the stakeholders in the entire process understand their roles and responsibilities in the execution of the act. It offers the industry players an opportunity to look at all the facets of the bill and to provide relevant input that will ensure that we have legislation that addresses all the pitfalls we have experienced over the years."