The North’s central hub

The participation of government ministries and state-owned enterprises at trade fairs is commendable. It brings government services closer to the communities and also promotes public-private partnerships. This was said by Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko when he officiated at the opening of the 16th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) on Saturday. Ngatjizeko said the OATF has shown tremendous growth from its humble beginnings 16 years ago. Speaking at the same event the mayor of the host town, Jason Asino, said Ongwediva has come of age and is currently consolidating its position as the prime residential and business centre in the North. He said the OATF brings people from all walks of life under one roof for the common good and urged exhibitors and visitors to use the opportunity to explore the beauty and “the unspoiled natural environment” of Ongwediva. The Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Namibia (FNB), Sarel van Zyl, said the OATF is growing from strength to strength and said he was surprised to see how much has changed in the region for the past few years. Michael Mwinga, who is the special adviser to regional governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, delivered the governor’s speech and said the OATF has made a significant difference in the lives of people. He said the region has attracted many investors in the retail and hospitality sector, but more investors are still needed in the manufacturing industry. The OATF 2015 is hosted under the theme ‘Inspiring Change to Build World-Class Business Leaders’. There are more than 440 exhibitors, including about 30 exhibitors from SADC countries and other parts of Africa as well as from overseas. MTC is the main sponsor of the event, while the FNB Namibia sponsored the opening ceremony. ONGWEDIVA PLACIDO HILUKILWA