Namibia has been accorded an exhibition space within the permanent pavilion at the Pilot Free Trade Zone in the Changsha Area, Yahua Block, in China.
The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, made this revelation during the high-level Namibia-China business forum in Changsha, China.
The exhibition space serves as a gateway for African countries to access vibrant Chinese markets.
The gesture symbolises excellent historic relations between Namibia and China.
Ashipala-Musavyi said seeing Namibian products displayed at the centre serves as promotion for the country's products, not only in China but globally.
"This centre will become a leader in innovation. Because I am informed that the centre not only focuses on showcasing or exhibiting products but also provides technical assistance through its research and development to further provide product development to eligible products. This is where need and innovation meet. On the one hand, Namibia is endowed with raw materials; on the other hand, China is technologically advanced. Therefore, in the context of the excellent bilateral relations and cooperation between China and Namibia, I am calling for a mutually beneficial partnership that will bring about the transformation of our primary products into secondary and tertiary products."
With Namibia recently securing access for its beef and mutton to the Chinese market, the minister said the country will only truly gain its footing in the international trade arena once it produces competitive, export-ready products.
"Namibia has a lot to offer and is strategically located. At the same time, investing in Namibia means taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, to which Namibia is a party. The launch or the inauguration of this pavilion should therefore be an enticing incentive, first to the Namibian private sector to produce more quality-tested and certified products. And for their Chinese counterparts to take full advantage of the favourable business environment in Namibia."
The High-Level Business Forum was held on the margins of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.