An amount of N.dollars 414 470 was raised at a gala dinner held on Saturday ahead of the Eenhana Annual Trade and Business Expo in Eenhana.

The 14th edition of the Eenhana Trade and Business Expo is being held under the theme; ‘Reviving Local Economy Through Business Resilience, Innovation and Diversification.’

The expo will run from 29 July to 04 August 2024.

Speaking at the gala dinner, Minister of Finance, Iipumbu Shiimi said business people should play their part because development is a partnership between the public and private sectors, and without entrepreneurship, one will not be able to develop a country or region as they need the business sector.

According to Shiimi, developing the country is hard but possible, as countries that have attained what is called an industrialised status have taken more than 100 years to reach that state.

‘Government’s role is to ensure that key infrastructure is in place, such as roads and water infrastructure, so that development can take place,’ he said.

Shiimi
further indicated that they now need to start thinking about how to generate income in this economy by building on basic skills to grow the region’s economy.

Speaking at the same occasion, Eenhana Mayor, Omri-Onn Kavandje indicated that they are reinventing the theme of last year’s expo in a process that requires collaboration.

‘The significance of this theme lies in business survival amid unforeseen situations and any disasters that might hit any sector locally and regionally. By embracing innovation and introducing more products and service lines, this will complement the efforts to ensure the survival of businesses, which are the backbone of the economy of Eenhana town, Ohangwena Region, and Namibia as a whole,’ he said.

Kavandje stressed that events of this magnitude play a crucial role in showcasing their organisation’s culture, values, and brand image.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency