Windhoek: The second edition of the Namibia-EU Business Forum commenced in Windhoek with an impressive turnout, recording close to 1,000 registrations, more than doubling the initial expectation of 400 participants for the event, which spans three days.According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum, which began on Monday with masterclasses and project pitching sessions, was officially inaugurated at the Windhoek Country Club Resort on Tuesday morning. The event will conclude on Wednesday under the theme, 'Towards Stronger, Greener and More Diversified Economies: Catalysing Business and Trade Opportunities between the EU and Namibia.'Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiatti, highlighted Namibia's significant role in attracting European investment, citing the country's critical minerals, green hydrogen potential, offshore energy discoveries, and strategic importance as a regional logistics hub. She emphasized the government's commitment to producing tangible outcomes from the forum, beyond mere goodwill, and insisted on value addition as a condition of the partnership.EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, expressed her satisfaction with the forum's high level of interest, noting that nearly 1,000 registrations highlight the global attention on Namibia and Europe's collaborative efforts.Namibia's Ambassador to Belgium, Alfredo Hengari, underscored the forum's value, indicating that success would be measured by closed deals, unlocked investments, developed industries, shared skills, and created opportunities for both current and future generations. He stressed that while Namibia remains open for business, it is not business as usual, aligning with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's terms.The forum's opening ceremony also featured prominent attendees, including EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, and Director General of the National Planning Commission, Kaire Mbuende, who delive red the keynote address. The closing ceremony on Wednesday is expected to feature the signing of memoranda of understanding between Namibian and European partners at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.