SWAITEX in full swing

The 4th Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAITEX) was yesterday officially opened by Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. Although the organiser of the event, the Swakopmund branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) had hoped for more exhibitors compared to previous editions, this goal was not achieved.

“Although there are less exhibitors, we have strived to improve the service for exhibitors present,” said Paul Ndjambula, Swakopmund NCCI Chairperson during his opening address. One achievement was reached though: “We have for the first time introduced a motor show and are happy to see that six dealerships have come on board,” he said. Ndjambula added that the expo, taking place under the theme “bigger and better”, has become a permanent fixture on the Erongo calendar.
Tarah Shaanika, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCI, commended the Swakopmund branch for the initiative to host the SWAITEX saying that “all roads lead to Swakopmund.” “This SWAITEX is indeed better organized,” he said. It has been the aim of SWAITEX to not only have local businesses exhibit their products, but also get international companies to market their services in Namibia.
“The future is in Africa. Africa is rising. Namibia is a logistics and transport hub thanks to the port of Walvis Bay. As Namibians we want the world to see what opportunities there are in Namibia,” he said.
Shaanika echoed the words of Ndjambula saying that he wishes to see SWAITEX grow each year to indeed become bigger and better going forward.
The expo will run until Saturday.