The air in Ongwediva was electric with trade and commodity exchanges being the order of the day, during the Official Launch of the Twenty Second [22nd] edition of the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair 2023 in Ongwediva, under the theme “Embracing a sustainable economy, linking smart markets” the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industrialization, Hon. Mrs. Verna Sinimbo [M.P.] (speaking on behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Namibia Dr. Hage G. Geingob), told the audience that; the platform created by the OATF is crucial in ensuring tangible contributions to the economy as this will further enhance trade facilitation both domestically and internationally. The Deputy Minister further indicated that; the OATF forms part of the Governments economic thrust in their pursuit of attaining Industrialization, Vision 2023 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, she further encouraged Namibian entrepreneurs to diversify their market offerings and explore new markets as alike the Government that has entered into the energy space through the realization of the Green Hydrogen Energy Project. Lüderitz designated by the Government as a strategic location for the launch of Namibia’s Green Hydrogen ambitions, equally exhibited at the OATF 2023 and engaged stakeholders on the envisaged multi-billion dollar energy project. The further need for the positioning of traders to benefit from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, was stressed through the guarantee of sustained and consistent supply of goods and services to other allied countries. The OATF 2023 has recorded four hundred and eighteen [418] exhibitors that are economically active sectors contributing to the Gross Domestic Product, and this platform must be seen as Government’s commitment to guaranteeing sustainable economies through the enabling of equal access to economic opportunities for all. #Lüderitz #BecauseWeCare #TogetherWeCan #destinationlüderitz #economictourismandindustrialhub #cityoflüderitz #ongwedivatowncouncil #OATF23