28 Jul 2019

The President of Namibia, Dr Hage Geingob says the Ghanzi show has transformed to a premier event.

Officiating at the Ghanzi Agricultural Show on July 27, Dr Geingob noted that initially it showcased agricultural activities, but that it was now an inclusive economic sector spectacle as evidenced by various activities across the entire economic spectrum.

Dr Geingob, who is also the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, said through the SADC industrialisation strategy and road map, the region had embarked on a drive to leverage on abundant and diverse resources, especially in agriculture and mining to accelerate industrialisation through beneficiation and value addition.

“It is in this vein that we are all pleased to notice the evolution of the Ghanzi show, which is a reflection of our keen intent to enhance our industrial base economy,” he stated.

He said Botswana and Namibia had intensified efforts to explore new avenues for cooperation.

Industrial shows, he said, had several economic spin-offs which contributed to the development of local economies.

“It is evident here in Ghanzi, the hosting of this show has resulted in the expansion of local infrastructure, particularly accommodation facilities,” stated Dr Geingob, adding that it was an impressive and welcome development. He thanked and congratulated show organisers for the initiative and farmers for making the show a success.

Despite climate change challenges which resulted in severe drought and floods in some instances, Dr Geingob said it was encouraging to see Ghanzi farmers showing resilience to overcome obstacles.

He said Botswana, eSwatini and Namibia shared a quota to a lucrative market in Norway, and that the trio had been working in harmony in pursuit of economic interest.

He said Botswana through BMC had granted Meatco, a Namibia export facility, space in their storage facility in Cape Town thereby providing a gateway for Namibia to have access to the EU market.

Besides being known for quality cattle, he said Ghanzi was a gateway to Namibia and the famous CKGR and Okavango Delta, both popular destinations for Namibians and tourists from the rest of the world.

Dr Geingob was happy that instead of visiting European countries Batswana toured Namibia in good numbers, especially to experience the sea.

He said infrastructural development in Botswana had brought some positives such as the Trans Kalahari Highway which facilitated movement of goods and people between the two countries.

He also said Botswana and Namibia cooperated in wildlife management, adding that a case in point was the Kalahari Transfrontier Park and Okavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park.

Dr Geingob reckoned the theme: Sustainable economic diversification beyond 50 years through green technology, indicated the ambition of pursuing the SADC region developmental aspirations in a sustainable manner.

In his vote of thanks, Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Fidelis Molao said Botswana and Namibia enjoyed bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector, noting that Botswana provided expertise on Foot and Mouth Disease and through Botswana Vaccine Institute supplied Namibia with FMD vaccine.

Mr Molao encouraged farmers to sell some of their livestock to BMC to avoid economic losses due to persistent drought. ENDS