• By Stefanus Nashama

A total of 60 Chinese companies are registered to conduct business activities in Namibia, according to Chinese ambassador Zhao Weiping.  This, Weiping says, is a sign of deepening bilateral cooperation and growing economic ties between Namibia and China. 
Speaking in Windhoek on Monday, Weiping shared that the registered companies provide a wide range of services similar to those offered in China. 

He noted that while there may be additional unregistered Chinese businesses in the country, those officially recognised are committed to respecting and following Namibian laws and regulations. “Namibia and China have a good relationship. We stand united to work together and provide services to our people,” said Weiping.

The diplomat added that such companies are not in Namibia to only provide services alone but to further create jobs, improve infrastructure and foster economic development. He reiterated China’s continued support for Namibia’s development agenda and affirmed that both countries are working jointly to ensure mutual benefits. 

Furthermore, Weiping praised the new Namibian administration for fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties and highlighted the Asian country’s readiness to offer support to the government.  He also spotlighted a number of ongoing Chinese-funded projects, including, a police housing initiative, borehole drilling programmes, the smart city pilot project and a social housing development plan. 

Additionally, Weiping said China has begun delivering food assistance to Namibia.  He revealed that the first shipment arrived in January and was distributed to the beneficiaries with a second batch expected soon. On the trade front, Weiping mentioned that China is working to increase its imports from Namibia. 

“In early May, vice minister Wang Lingjun of China Customs, visited Namibia and signed agreements to streamline customs procedures and expand trade.” According to him, one notable agreement focused on the export of Namibian mutton and chevon (goat meat) to China, with ongoing talks to include more agricultural and aquatic products.

“We hope and believe that, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Namibia relations will achieve even greater development in the next five years and bring even bigger benefits to our two [citizens],” Weiping stated. He said there is a great potential for investment cooperation between the two countries, and that the Chinese government will continue to encourage its enterprises to expand their investments in Namibia. 

“We are also keeping in close consultation with each other in the areas of agriculture and vocational training cooperation,” he added.