All is not lost after Ramatex - Malaysian diplomat
Potential to increase trade between countries
During Malaysia's 66th Independence Day celebrations, the country's acting high commissioner to Namibia stressed the importance of unity and boosting trade and investment between the two nations.
The closure of the Ramatex garment factory almost two decades ago should not discourage the business communities in Namibia and Malaysia from working with each other and investing in the respective countries, Malaysia’s top diplomat to Namibia said.
As Malaysia celebrated its 66th Independence Day yesterday, that country’s acting high commissioner to Namibia, Dato Dr. Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, emphasised unity as well as increased trade and investment between the two countries.
Namibia and Malaysia established formal diplomatic ties in 1995, when Namibia opened its mission in Kuala Lumpur, while Malaysia opened its mission in Windhoek a year later.
The setting up of Ramatex in 2001 was seen as a major game-changer for the two countries; the multimillion-dollar investment created over 1 700 jobs and positioned the Malaysian firm as one of the biggest players in the global textile industry.
Trade gateway
Speaking on the Evening Review show on Wednesday, Yahaya remains hopeful that the two countries can increase their trade activities, further encouraging potential investors that "just because Ramatex did not work out as expected, it does not mean it is the end".
"Ramatex left due to tax concerns they had. I understand Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) is working on developing a structured tax regime for investors. They informed us that they will come up with investment incentives to entice companies to come to Namibia. With the African free trade agreement in place, Namibia stands a good chance to become a gateway for trade," he said.
He added: "We are also into ensuring the presence of Malaysia is felt through our enhancement of trade and investment in Namibia. More can be done in order to increase the trade and investment volumes between Malaysia and Namibia."
Vast potential
Yahaya also hinted that Malaysia’s energy group, Petronas, "may explore the opportunities in Namibia’s energy sector."
The diplomat added: "Looking at the volume of trade investment, you will notice that there has been an increase in this regard. There is potential to increase trade in agriculture, education, tourism, oil and gas and manufacturing."
To further move and strengthen the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Namibia, Yahaya said there is a need for both countries to add more substance to the existing relationship.
Development
On the education front, Yahaya urged Namibians to apply for admission into the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
MTCP serves as the Malaysian government’s arm for providing technical cooperation to Namibia. MTCP was formulated to cement Malaysia’s commitment to the South-South Cooperation, in particular, technical cooperation among developing countries.
"The MTCP emphasises the development of human resources through the provision of training in various areas that are essential for a country’s development," he explained.
To date, the high commissioner said, about 160 participants from Namibia have participated in various MTCP courses.
As Malaysia celebrated its 66th Independence Day yesterday, that country’s acting high commissioner to Namibia, Dato Dr. Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, emphasised unity as well as increased trade and investment between the two countries.
Namibia and Malaysia established formal diplomatic ties in 1995, when Namibia opened its mission in Kuala Lumpur, while Malaysia opened its mission in Windhoek a year later.
The setting up of Ramatex in 2001 was seen as a major game-changer for the two countries; the multimillion-dollar investment created over 1 700 jobs and positioned the Malaysian firm as one of the biggest players in the global textile industry.
Trade gateway
Speaking on the Evening Review show on Wednesday, Yahaya remains hopeful that the two countries can increase their trade activities, further encouraging potential investors that "just because Ramatex did not work out as expected, it does not mean it is the end".
"Ramatex left due to tax concerns they had. I understand Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) is working on developing a structured tax regime for investors. They informed us that they will come up with investment incentives to entice companies to come to Namibia. With the African free trade agreement in place, Namibia stands a good chance to become a gateway for trade," he said.
He added: "We are also into ensuring the presence of Malaysia is felt through our enhancement of trade and investment in Namibia. More can be done in order to increase the trade and investment volumes between Malaysia and Namibia."
Vast potential
Yahaya also hinted that Malaysia’s energy group, Petronas, "may explore the opportunities in Namibia’s energy sector."
The diplomat added: "Looking at the volume of trade investment, you will notice that there has been an increase in this regard. There is potential to increase trade in agriculture, education, tourism, oil and gas and manufacturing."
To further move and strengthen the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Namibia, Yahaya said there is a need for both countries to add more substance to the existing relationship.
Development
On the education front, Yahaya urged Namibians to apply for admission into the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
MTCP serves as the Malaysian government’s arm for providing technical cooperation to Namibia. MTCP was formulated to cement Malaysia’s commitment to the South-South Cooperation, in particular, technical cooperation among developing countries.
"The MTCP emphasises the development of human resources through the provision of training in various areas that are essential for a country’s development," he explained.
To date, the high commissioner said, about 160 participants from Namibia have participated in various MTCP courses.
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