WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and Team Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen cooperation.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation and collaboration to promote shared goals, which include promoting industrialisation, trade, economic development, and entrepreneurship in Namibia.

The executive director of the ministry, Sikongo Haihambo, said the MoU establishes connections that facilitate smooth communication, a shared vision, and collective growth.

‘To this extent, this MoU intends to elevate the terms of cooperation between the two institutions. We hope this will contribute more towards achieving a national industrialised economy through market access and promotion, export development, local sourcing initiatives, product certification and quality standards, support of small and medium enterprises, and capacity building,’ said Haihambo.

He further said the collaboration will benefit both institutions through training and experiences to b
e shared. It also means they have ‘partners to work closely with on areas of common interest such as market access, product certification and quality standards for the growth of the local economy while protecting the health of the people, flora, and fauna.’

The Chairperson of Team Namibia, Sidney Hanstein, stated that the agreement formalises the long-standing relationship with the ministry.

‘Since 2003, Team Namibia has been working closely with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade on various fronts and the MoU strengthened such cooperation,’ Hanstein said during the signing.

‘Team Namibia’s objective going forward is really just to take hands with the ministry and to have that endorsed from the ministry, that we are a glue with connecting pieces with all enabling partners.’

As per the agreement, Team Namibia will work closely with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade to promote local products and services, both domestically and internationally. They will further work to ensure that product
s bearing the ‘Made-in-Namibia’ label meet the standards.

Source: The Namibia News Agency