PARTNERS: The United Kingdom Department for Trade recently held a consultative meeting with officials from the ministry of international relations and trade aimed at advancing trade relations between the two countries.
PARTNERS: The United Kingdom Department for Trade recently held a consultative meeting with officials from the ministry of international relations and trade aimed at advancing trade relations between the two countries.

UK, Namibia map trade modalities

Seeking opportunity
The workshop allowed the exchange of ideas on how the Namibian trade community and policymakers can work together to brain-storm tangible outcomes for the EPA implementation in Namibia.
STAFF REPORTER
The British High Commission in Namibia in collaboration with the ministry of international relations and trade (MIRT) hosted a workshop for implementers focused on the execution of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) plus Mozambique - UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Held at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, the session brought together key government ministries, agencies, and trade associations to discuss next steps towards broader implementation and to explore the potential for significant downstream benefits.



The session marked a crucial advancement in strengthening trade relations within the EPA framework for Namibia and the UK. The workshop allowed the exchange of ideas on how the Namibian trade community and policymakers can work together to brain-storm tangible outcomes for the EPA implementation in Namibia. Participants delved into critical topics, including the implications of the EPA for the Namibian market, strategies for export development to enhance access to international markets, and shared practical experiences in implementing the agreement.



Key discussions also addressed accessing the UK market for agricultural products, compliance with rules of origin, and the UK Trade for Development partnership with Namibia, which offers valuable support and opportunities. The event concluded with a participant discussion focused on actionable next steps for leveraging these insights.



“This dialogue has provided us with critical insight into what the SACUM-UK EPA means for the Namibian market, highlighting both opportunities to be seized and the challenges that must be

addressed in particular, rules of origin, cumulation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS), Technical barriers to trade (TBT), and access to vital information. These elements are

instrumental in shaping the effective utilization of the agreement for our economic benefit and prosperity,” said Ambassador Elvis Shiweda in his closing remarks at the workshop.

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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