Over 100 exhibitors flock to Rundu trade fair
Event marks significant growth
The trade fair kicked off last Friday, and will welcome attendees until Saturday, 2 November.
This year’s Rundu Annual Trade Fair is drawing record-breaking participation and attention from local and international exhibitors, marking significant growth for the event since its inception in 2016.
This year’s fair is being held under the theme 'Fostering socioeconomic growth through investment', which reflects the river town's commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Speaking at the official opening yesterday, Rundu Trade Fair committee chairperson Fransiska Kupembona highlighted the importance of local economic development.
“In our conversations, networking activities and discussions, we are here to address the importance of local economic development and examine our roles in contributing to the growth of our beloved town, Rundu, and Namibia as a whole," she said.
She added: "I am delighted to report that the Rundu Annual Trade Fair has grown significantly". The trade fair, which was first launched by the Rundu Town Council in 2016, has transformed from a modest event into a highly anticipated platform, now hosting 133 exhibitors.
“Those who attended the first fair and who are here again this year can attest to its growth from a small event to the major fair it is today, unmatched in this part of our country. We have seen a heightened interest from exhibitors across the country, resulting in a record 133 exhibitors,” Kupembona said.
At capacity
“Our exhibition hall is at full capacity, hosting 72 stalls of various sizes, accommodating around 46 corporate companies, including ministries and agencies, and 26 small and medium enterprises [SMEs]," she said. "Outside, we have 61 stalls filled with participants from the agricultural sector, children’s section, SMEs and the popular food and beverage section."
Kupembona expressed gratitude for the entrepreneurs who travelled from Tanzania and Kenya to showcase their goods and services. “It’s inspiring to see our African community, especially in the Southern African Development Community region, embracing the importance of intra-African trade,” she said.
While some representatives from Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province could not attend due to unforeseen challenges, Kupembona noted that several officials were en route to support the event.
In an interview with NBC’s 'Business Today' programme, Kupembona was asked about the relevance of trade fairs in today’s economy. Her response was: “Trade fairs indeed play a vital role in local economic development. They stimulate economic activity by attracting visitors, increasing sales for local businesses and boosting their revenue".
This week, local establishments, particularly in the accommodation sector, have reported being fully booked, which the committee chairperson described as “a true testament to local economic development and the growing influx of customers”. She added that the fair’s ongoing success directly benefits the people of Rundu.
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This year’s fair is being held under the theme 'Fostering socioeconomic growth through investment', which reflects the river town's commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Speaking at the official opening yesterday, Rundu Trade Fair committee chairperson Fransiska Kupembona highlighted the importance of local economic development.
“In our conversations, networking activities and discussions, we are here to address the importance of local economic development and examine our roles in contributing to the growth of our beloved town, Rundu, and Namibia as a whole," she said.
She added: "I am delighted to report that the Rundu Annual Trade Fair has grown significantly". The trade fair, which was first launched by the Rundu Town Council in 2016, has transformed from a modest event into a highly anticipated platform, now hosting 133 exhibitors.
“Those who attended the first fair and who are here again this year can attest to its growth from a small event to the major fair it is today, unmatched in this part of our country. We have seen a heightened interest from exhibitors across the country, resulting in a record 133 exhibitors,” Kupembona said.
At capacity
“Our exhibition hall is at full capacity, hosting 72 stalls of various sizes, accommodating around 46 corporate companies, including ministries and agencies, and 26 small and medium enterprises [SMEs]," she said. "Outside, we have 61 stalls filled with participants from the agricultural sector, children’s section, SMEs and the popular food and beverage section."
Kupembona expressed gratitude for the entrepreneurs who travelled from Tanzania and Kenya to showcase their goods and services. “It’s inspiring to see our African community, especially in the Southern African Development Community region, embracing the importance of intra-African trade,” she said.
While some representatives from Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province could not attend due to unforeseen challenges, Kupembona noted that several officials were en route to support the event.
In an interview with NBC’s 'Business Today' programme, Kupembona was asked about the relevance of trade fairs in today’s economy. Her response was: “Trade fairs indeed play a vital role in local economic development. They stimulate economic activity by attracting visitors, increasing sales for local businesses and boosting their revenue".
This week, local establishments, particularly in the accommodation sector, have reported being fully booked, which the committee chairperson described as “a true testament to local economic development and the growing influx of customers”. She added that the fair’s ongoing success directly benefits the people of Rundu.
[email protected]
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