Agriculture and education are among the sectors to be given priority in regional development.

This was highlighted at a meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, and regional leadership.

The Chairperson of the Regional Council, Ignatius Kariseb, stressed the role of the agricultural sector in ensuring food security.

He said actions to address the plight of Namibians should be deliberate.

"The regional leadership is trying to see whether we can diversify from livestock farming as one of the products in the region. As a result, we are, therefore, the part of crop farming that is coming in as part of diversification. I must mention in this regard that, as leaders, we decided to see how best we could address the issue of food security, and we are on record."

The Governor of Omaheke, Pijoo Nganate, says engagements such as these and other platforms are crucial for development.

"China is known for rice production, as the Chairperson is coming from a benchmarking from Oshakati for rice production, and we can diversify, we cannot only continue to plant wheat but also plant things like rice, corn, and other things."

The Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, commended the government for its decentralisation policy and ensuring regional development.

He assured that through the embassy, they would provide any necessary assistance in the areas of agriculture and education.

"I myself am planning to do something in this area for Agriculture cooperation between China and Namibia. I think not only in your region but also in other regions there is also an urgent need to develop agriculture."

The team also visited various institutions, including the Vocational Training Centre in Gobabis.