An international airport and a dry port are just some of the developmental plans envisioned for the town of Rundu.

This was revealed at the Mayoral Business Forum, a platform that allowed the local business community to explore opportunities for growth and partnership.

It is tradition for the town's CEO to deliver a presentation during the Mayoral Business Forum and elaborate on some of the developmental plans.

Olavi Nathanael, CEO of the Rundu Town Council, said, "We also have an airport, very soon to be upgraded to an international airport. All the paperwork has been done, serving as a convenience to your business. We also have a corridor of a railway that is cutting through the borders of the jurisdiction and crossing on the other side, and we also planned for the inland hub, like a port. Like the typical Walvis Bay port, but we want to have a dry one here."

Mayor Gabriel Kanyanga says it is high time that Angolan informal traders are recognised for the entrepreneurial spirit they bring to the town.

"The informal traders from Angola who bring their produce to Rundu on a daily basis represent a significant economic dynamic that we should consider maximising. While there have been discussions regarding bylaws, it is crucial to appreciate the economic activities these individuals bring and to explore ways of integrating them, which would be beneficial to our own local economy."

The Mayoral Business Forum also serves as a platform for various institutions to update the local business community on sound business practices, including business registration compliance.

This year's theme is "Understanding the Legal Framework for Business and Personal Protection".

Governor of the Kavango East, Hamunyera Hambyuka, said, "It is timely and well chosen. Too often, enterprises fail, not for lack of ambition or talent but due to noncompliance with legal requirements, registration and proper documentation. They are not optional, they are the very foundation of sustainable businesses."

The Rundu Town Council also took the opportunity to award last year's trade fair sponsors, which include the NBC.

The national broadcaster has been a long-standing supporter of the trade fair for many years.