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21 August 2007

Having stayed true to the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) mandate of regional integration in our first participation at Ongwendiva Trade Faire in Namibia last year, and significantly positioning the province as a potential major contributor to the economic stability and prosperity of the region, the MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Collins Chabane will be leading another delegation to Namibia from the 24 to 31 August 2007.

"Namibia is a part of the regional economy and possesses great sources of economic development such as mining, agriculture and tourism. The development of the industry in Namibia has significant impact on us as a province and country. It is for that reason that we look forward to formalise our economic ties through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards the end of the year to promote regional integration for mutual benefit and co-operation," said an optimistic Chabane.

In the first participation at the Trade Faire, the province took on several prizes, among them that of Best International Stall and Best Exhibitor, scooping many countries that had been using the Trade Faire for much longer since its inception. Some SMMEs that were part of the Trade Faire last year from the province have also been able to secure valuable contacts and understanding of the Namibian market. These have also been included in the current crop of SMMEs as part of the programme to further develop SMMEs in the province.

Among the delegation will be 15 SMME Exhibitors, members of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks, Limpopo Business Support Agency (Libsa) and Trade and Investment Limpopo who will each be undertaking specific sector focussed interventions identified by the department for implementation and development. Key among these will be the Transfrontier Parks, tourism destination development and 2010 opportunities.

As an international Trade Faire in the region, the participation of the province through the department in Ongwendiva is a significant platform to position the province particularly for trade and investments opportunities. Trade and Investment Limpopo will be hosting a Trade and Investment Seminar on the 28th August 2007 during the Trade Faire under the theme 'Towards attaining regional economic integration' to provide an insight into the provincial economy and to facilitate organisations interested in making business with the province to get a better understanding of its many offerings.

For further information contact:
Lehlogonolo Masoga
Cell: 082 463 9755

Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government
21 August 2007