Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said people responsible for implementing government programs should ensure full implementation on time, because an agreement without implementation is as good as no agreement.

She made these remarks on Tuesday during the trade and investment mission to Angola in Luanda, to where a Namibian delegation of 40 business people accompanied the minister.

In her statement availed to Nampa on Wednesday, she said the two countries had put in place several important bilateral mechanisms such as the bi-national commission, that will be co-chaired by the Heads of State of the two countries to harness mutual benefits. Furthermore the two countries have signed several agreements, including on trade and economic cooperation as well as the reciprocal protection and promotion of investments, which seek to create a conducive environment for business to thrive in both countries.

“We need to prioritise these agreements as they will go a long way in promoting increased two-way trade and investment. It is a fact that an agreement without implementation is just as good as no agreement. We therefore call on those responsible to ensure full implementation of those instruments. As good neighbours, we cannot think only in terms of export and import, we should also look at integrating our value and supply chains to derive mutual benefit for our two countries,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She added that economic activities of the two countries need to involve greater value-addition and beneficiation with more focus on manufactured and agricultural goods. She is therefore pleased that the delegation will have the opportunity to visit some companies and places of economic interest to explore opportunities that can drive trade and investment between the two countries.

“We commit ourselves to forging a closer partnership with Angola not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also to advance regional and continental economic integration. Our two countries should take advantage of the opportunities presented by the SADC Free Trade Area and the African Continental Free Trade Area, as they are at the heart of our collective efforts to promote greater investment, trade and economic integration across the continent,” stated Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency