United States (US) Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry has complimented the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) for its impressive effort of transforming Namibia’s primary port into a future leading logistical hub.
During his visit to the Walvis Bay Port during a three-day maiden visit to the Erongo Region this week, Berry cited a recent news segment by the American media company CNN, on the operations of NamDock, Namibia’s Drydock and Ship Repair.
Berry’s visit was premised on the need to familiarise himself with the operations of the ports as the new US Ambassador to Namibia, as well as to discuss ways on how the US Government programmes and businesses can support Namibia’s developmental agenda.
“There is a need to further explore investment and trade relations between the two governments of Namibia and the US, through their respective agencies and institutions,” he expressed.
Namport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kanime expressed great appreciation for the courtesy extended to Namport by the ambassador and further reiterated the important advocating role the ambassador can play in promoting the intentions of the US Government to do business in Namibia, as well as the need for strengthened collaboration with Namport, particularly in the areas of port security and capacity building.
The CEO presented a high-level business overview with a strong emphasis on commodity trends, new business markets, Namport’s developmental and investment opportunities, the National Corridor Development Strategy, National Single Window initiatives as well as on potential business that could come on stream once the oil, green hydrogen and gas business cases are solidified.
The delegation toured the Port of Walvis Bay and also visited the Container Control Programme at the Namibia Revenue Agency.
During his visit to the region, Berry also visited several projects in Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay, supported by the US Government, providing health services for key populations who are at an increased risk of contracting HIV.
He further proceeded to the Uiba-Oas Miners’ Cooperative about 20 kilometres west of Usakos.
The organisation which is a previous recipient of the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund grant, operates a crystal market that is popular among tourists.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
