Nujoma lauds eighth OTIE

ONDANGWA, 02 MAY  – Founding President, Sam Nujoma on Wednesday said the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition (OTIE) exemplifies that where the business community comes together for a common cause, enhanced sustainability and economic growth can be attained.
Nujoma made these remarks whilst officially inaugurating the 2018 OTIE at Ondangwa in the Oshana Region on Wednesday.
Generally, Nujoma said, trade shows and exhibitions are held to primarily demonstrate and showcase latest services and products, encourage innovation and stimulate best market trends and opportunities available within various economic sectors.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the preparatory committee who prepared for this event which brought together businessmen and women from Oshana Region and beyond as well as other stakeholders,” he said.
He also applauded exhibitors for turning up, while expressing confidence that they will continue to showcase quality products and services in order to assist the country in realising its national development plans and policies.
“I am aware of the difficult economic circumstances the country is going through. Hence, it is up to all of us to coordinate our efforts and work together so that we improve our economic situation,” Nujoma said.
Also speaking at the event, Oshana Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa noted that Ondangwa, through its trade and industrial exhibition, will attract more patrons to support exhibitors and investors who will invest in its industrial development and create more jobs.
“Through this trade exhibition show, the Ondangwa town is not only accelerating its local economic growth but will also benefit the local businesses, exhibitors and the entire region,” Kashuupulwa noted.
Spokesperson of the Ondangwa Town Council, Petrina Shitalangaho told Nampa on the side lines that only 124 exhibitors are participating in the show this year, compared to 250 exhibitors last year.
“Although we have three car dealers – Indongo Toyota, Pupekwitz Toyota and Iveco – giving our show a different flavour with their first-ever participation, the economic hardship the country is facing has resulted in a poor turnout of exhibitors this year,” Shitalangaho said.
Ondangwa Town Council is this year hosting the OTIE for the eighth consecutive year under the theme ‘Embracing Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship’.
The show started on Friday and ends Saturday.

NAMPA