TradeMalta and Namibia, through the Namibian High Commission accredited to Malta from London and the Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB), successfully concluded a virtual B2B networking event from 16 to 17 February. Over 270 meetings were held between Maltese and Namibian enterprises from micro-businesses to large scale operators.
The event, which attracted over 200 Maltese and Namibian companies, was held in collaboration with the NIPDB, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and the Namibian business community, under the auspices of TradeMalta and the Namibian High Commission in London. It was targeted at businesses from multiple sectors with the aim of establishing and enhancing commercial relationships between the two countries. The B2B event also generated new ideas and opportunities for post-pandemic activity linking Europe and Africa through Malta and Namibia.
As a result of the pandemic, we have recognised and taken advantage of the virtual technology, enabling our two countries to develop new partnerships for trade, explore new market opportunities and adapt to a changed global economic environment. Whereas Malta has been one of the EU’s leading economic performers in recent years, Namibia is also establishing itself as an important entry port and gateway for trade into Africa, following recent investments such as the expansion of the port of Walvis Bay.
TradeMalta CEO Anton Buttigieg commented: “Despite the current travel restrictions, we are aware that companies are still scouting for international business. As a result, the team at TradeMalta decided to invest in the latest online technology platforms to facilitate business-to-business meetings between Maltese and international entrepreneurs. It is extremely encouraging to see such a huge response from the Maltese and Namibian business community to work together during this first ever B2B event between both countries. We are pleased to have initiated these fruitful business connections for the benefit of both countries.”
Namibian High Commissioner to Malta, H.E. Linda Scott commented: “Aware of the restrictions placed on us by the pandemic, we have developed our creative potential to seek out new avenues of cooperation between our two countries, based on our resources and potential. We are sincerely grateful to our partners at TradeMalta who were able to explore a new framework for cooperation with us, and in so doing, introduced nearly 200 companies to each other from two regions. I look forward to the outcome of these conversations and to using this model repeatedly to grow our international cooperation for trade, development, value addition and real people-to-people contacts.”
For further information and advice on entering the Namibian market and the emerging markets of sub-Saharan Africa, contact the Malta Business Agency team.
