Namibia’s participation at the World Expo 2010 to be held in Shanghai, China, has been launched. Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Minister, Jerry Ekandjo, and Mr. Liu Runing, Charge d'affaire a.i. of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China launched the Namibia’s participation this week.

The theme of the Expo will be “Better Cities: Better Life.” The event is slated for 1 May to 31 October 2010, and serves as a platform to boast the country’s image as a destination for investment, trade and tourism.

Mr. Liu Runing, Charge d'affaire a.i. of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China

Mr. Liu annouced on the spot a donation of  ￥10,000 to the Namibian side in assistance for its preparation work.

Ekandjo expressed deep appreciation towards the Chinese Government and said through such expositions, the world comes to know about Namibia’s rich cultural diversity, peace and stability and a vibrant economy - ready to offer investment and trade opportunities to the rest of the world.

Hon.Jerry Ekandjo, Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development,Namibia

“In participation in these expositions, our objectives have always been to show-case our achievements in the political, socio-cultural, economic and technological domains as well as to share our experiences and challenges with other countries in our efforts towards improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

Ekandjo said Namibia as a young country faces many challenges in providing adequate services to her people, especially the poor communities living in remote rural areas.

He said through its policy for decentralization, government has and continues to provide such basic services such as roads, portable water and electricity.

Edited from the Namibian Economist  Newspaper