Vice-President Lucia Witbooi has called on Namibians to continue strengthening their productive capacity by moving beyond the production and sale of raw or minimally processed goods when viable opportunities occur.
Witbooi made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf at the official opening of the Oshikuku Annual Trade Fair in the Omusati Region.
Witbooi wants Namibians to strengthen their capacity to produce and process more and add value to their products to access wider markets and generate more income.
She emphasised that Namibians can no longer rely solely on consuming goods produced within their communities.
Witbooi said the Oshikuku Town Council therefore has a vital role to play in driving the economic development of the Omusati Region and Namibia at large.
The trade fair thus provides a valuable platform where entrepreneurs, farmers, producers, investors, financial institutions, the government, development partners and consumers can come together to trade, exchange ideas, explore business opportunities and establish joint ventures.
"A product displayed here should have the potential to reach a customer beyond this exhibition. An entrepreneur participating here should be able to establish a new business relationship. An investment opportunity identified here should be followed through. In this way, we move from simply showcasing potential to unlocking potential."
Trade fair platforms are thus important for promoting local production, entrepreneurship, investment and value addition while creating opportunities for communities to participate meaningfully in the broader economy.
This year, Oshikuku Trade Fair is held under the theme 'Let us come home and create opportunities for investment and community growth'.
Oshikuku Town Council Mayor Julia Endjambi believes that development cannot be achieved by the government alone, but it requires the participation of the private sector, entrepreneurs, investors, residents and other development partners.
"To all our exhibitors, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for your participation. Your presence gives life to this event. I encourage you to use this platform not only to display your products and services but also to build relationships and explore new opportunities."
The trade fair, which started on the 26th of September and ends on the 3rd of October, brought together 66 exhibitors, and two of them are international.