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.

The Minister of Trade and Industrialization has implored the business community to report any unwarranted delay in the issuance or renewal of temporary and permanent liquor licenses, saying every business is crucial to the upliftment of the country's struggling economy.

The minister was speaking during a stakeholders' engagement on consumer protection, the liquor licensing process and related matters.