Namibia plans Dubai consulate and food warehouse

Namibia plans to open a warehouse in Dubai to supply the Middle East and Asia with meat and other agricultural produce, says the country's trade and industry minister.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2011

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Lamb, beef, venison, fish and other products would be stored at the facility at the new Al Maktoum International Airport, said Hage Geingob. Products would either be flown in or shipped by sea.

"Dubai is centrally located for India, China and Egypt," he said. "We want to build a warehouse in Dubai to house our products from which to penetrate the Asian market."

A halal abattoir may also be established in the emirate to enable the slaughter of Namibian livestock according to Islamic law, he said.

First, Namibia plans to open a consulate in Dubai within two months, with a trade attache working to promote the country's credentials as a trading partner.

Located near the southern tip of Africa, Namibia is striving to boost its export market to develop its economy and create jobs. It plans to expand Walvis Bay, its largest commercial port, from next year to improve its export capacity.

Namibia is also keen to push ahead with extending its mining sector, which already provides about a quarter of the country's revenues. It is the fourth-largest exporter of non-fuel minerals in Africa and the world's fourth-largest uranium producer.

Its government aims to attract further investment to increase exploration projects for diamonds, gold and other resources found in the country.

tarnold@thenational.ae