The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) launched its inaugural Diplomatic Fair on Friday, themed “Connecting Nations, Creating Opportunities”, at the Parliament Gardens in Windhoek.
The two-day event ran from Friday to Saturday and brought together foreign missions, government officials, entrepreneurs and members of the public to promote dialogue, cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, emphasised that foreign policy and international relations must extend beyond formal state functions to have a direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Diplomacy is first and foremost about people. It is about translating those relations into tangible benefits for all our people… building bridges, opening doors for trade and investment, and expanding educational and cultural exchanges,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She said the fair aligned with Namibia’s broader national objectives of sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.
The minister further said that by leveraging regional frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as global commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Namibia aimed to expand intra-African trade and establish lasting strategic partnerships.
Ashipala-Musavyi also emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy, using music, art, food and traditions to promote mutual understanding. She noted that Namibia’s history of international solidarity continued to shape its welcoming and cooperative approach to international relations.
Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, its Dean and Ambassador of the Republic of Congo, Lauria Nguele Makoulet, commended the Ministry of International Relations and Trade for spearheading the initiative.
Makoulet said the fair gave the Namibian public an opportunity to learn about different cultures, tourism destinations, training programmes, and scholarship opportunities.
She encouraged local businesspeople and entrepreneurs to engage directly with participating diplomatic missions to explore investment partnerships, while urging young Namibians to consider diplomacy as a potential avenue for personal and professional development.
Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Julia Imene Chanduru, expressed optimism about the event’s future.
“Our aspiration is for the Diplomatic Fair to become a sustainable platform for public diplomacy, lasting relationships, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” Chanduru said.
The fair featured cultural exhibitions, traditional clothing and crafts, international cuisine, live music and performances. It also offered opportunities to engage in trade, tourism, investment, education, and international cooperation.
-Nampa
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