Iipumbu counters critics of investment Bill consultation process
Minister sets the record straight
Trade minister Lucia Iipumbu has defended the consultation process for the Investment Bill as comprehensive.
Trade minister Lucia Iipumbu condemned accusations on Wednesday that her ministry has failed to properly consult on the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill.
Iipumbu was speaking during the official opening of the Oshana Investment Conference in Ongwediva.
Her views come after Namibian Sun published an article in which the Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA) pleaded with Iipumbu not to proceed with the Bill in its current form, saying it would have a damning impact on Namibia’s investment environment.
In a letter hand-delivered to the minister last week, EPRA wrote: "We humbly again submit that there is little to nothing in the proposed Bill that makes investment more attractive. In reality, and what is written in the Bill is the reality – not the pleasing imagery provided by those selling it – the bill simply proposes a host of additional obstacles for both local and foreign investors".
Iipumbu said while some still claim there was no proper consultation, the ministry did consult extensively.
"I want to dispel that and condemn it in the strongest capacity that I can. Because we went from region one to 14. We have spoken to everyone. We have made advertisements on electronic, on print media and the most popular social media for all of you who are supposed to be role players to attend those meetings.
"We extended and gave you another option to extend our consultation by a week for whoever felt that they needed to make a contribution to the Bill to put their contribution in writing and channel it to the ministry so that the committee that was working on reviewing the law could do justice to that.”
Complaining to the media
The minister added: "But some of you opted to go to the media and complain. We don’t know now whether you expect the responses from the media, because I want to believe that if you are looking for responses, come to our offices. And if you feel you still have a contribution to make, we do not close the door for you."
However, Iipumbu said they are grateful for the good input given by some individuals, both local and foreign investors. The input will be given consideration, she said.
She informed those in attendance that the ministry would be back to consult again on the regulations of the Bill.
She said the Bill has now been forwarded to the technical committee composed of several stakeholders, who will refine it together with legal drafters as they intend to table it before the end of the year.
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Iipumbu was speaking during the official opening of the Oshana Investment Conference in Ongwediva.
Her views come after Namibian Sun published an article in which the Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA) pleaded with Iipumbu not to proceed with the Bill in its current form, saying it would have a damning impact on Namibia’s investment environment.
In a letter hand-delivered to the minister last week, EPRA wrote: "We humbly again submit that there is little to nothing in the proposed Bill that makes investment more attractive. In reality, and what is written in the Bill is the reality – not the pleasing imagery provided by those selling it – the bill simply proposes a host of additional obstacles for both local and foreign investors".
Iipumbu said while some still claim there was no proper consultation, the ministry did consult extensively.
"I want to dispel that and condemn it in the strongest capacity that I can. Because we went from region one to 14. We have spoken to everyone. We have made advertisements on electronic, on print media and the most popular social media for all of you who are supposed to be role players to attend those meetings.
"We extended and gave you another option to extend our consultation by a week for whoever felt that they needed to make a contribution to the Bill to put their contribution in writing and channel it to the ministry so that the committee that was working on reviewing the law could do justice to that.”
Complaining to the media
The minister added: "But some of you opted to go to the media and complain. We don’t know now whether you expect the responses from the media, because I want to believe that if you are looking for responses, come to our offices. And if you feel you still have a contribution to make, we do not close the door for you."
However, Iipumbu said they are grateful for the good input given by some individuals, both local and foreign investors. The input will be given consideration, she said.
She informed those in attendance that the ministry would be back to consult again on the regulations of the Bill.
She said the Bill has now been forwarded to the technical committee composed of several stakeholders, who will refine it together with legal drafters as they intend to table it before the end of the year.
– [email protected]
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