Nam-China trade hits N$19bn with months to spare

Trade between China and Namibia hit N$19.3 billion by August, a significant figure that could surpass the N$23 billion recorded in 2023 between the two nations.In recent years, trade of Namibian products to China has been boosted by uranium exports from the Asian country’s mines in the country – Husab and Rössing. The investment in Swakop Uranium&#039;s Husab mine - to the tune of N$90 billion - is still the largest single Chinese investment in Africa. "And we are very proud of it," Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said."China wants to import more and we will increase market access for Namibia, and also provide more for our friends in Africa,” Zhao said during a meeting with local media last week to expand on his government&#039;s commitment to what he described as the friendly relationship with Namibia. He added: “Regarding agricultural products, we already import beef, and in September at [the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation], the import of lamb from Namibia was also announced. There are also other products, such as red crab, aqua products and drifts, about which discussions continue.”“There is no political problem with our imports from Namibia, only technical issues that will be resolved between our government agencies. We are willing and ready to import more from Namibia,” the ambassador said.Rich in solar, windUranium is a special mineral resource, Zhao said, adding that its initial processing takes place locally before Husab and Rössing&#039;s uranium is exported to China. Both mines belong to China through its state-owned companies. Another Chinese company he said will do more to process mineral resources here is Xinfeng, which mines lithium and is building a new processing plant outside Uis.Considering Namibia&#039;s energy needs, the ambassador praised local renewable energy development, especially in green hydrogen. "We believe this is a very important project for Namibia and we do believe it is a very feasible project, because you enjoy wind and solar power. You are so rich in solar power and wind power. You are currently working with European countries to make significant progress. Chinese companies are also watching the development with great interest,” he said.“There is one large Chinese company with interest. Chinese companies are very open-minded and if the opportunity arises, they will cooperate with other partners, such as for example with European companies. We will also be interested in that."Regarding nuclear power, Zhao said China is continuing its own ambitious programme to build many more power plants there to meet the growing local need for energy and electricity. "China is one of the few countries in the world with the technology and also the resources to develop nuclear power plants. For Namibia to develop its own nuclear power industry, China is definitely one of your good potential partners," he said.

Nam-China trade hits N$19bn with months to spare

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Nam-China trade hits N$19bn with months to spare

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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