Helao Nafidi Expo commended
• BY MARX ITAMALO
T
HE just ended Helao Nafidi Business Expo was hailed as a successful story by many of the exhibitors who were in attendance from October 21- 30 where thousands of people as well as hundreds of exhibitors from across the country and beyond converged.
Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwa officially opened the expo.
Local businesswoman, Rakel Johannes informed this publication that this year’s exhibition stands out from the previous ones. According to the food and beverages businesswoman, the business show was thrilled after a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have been attending the Expo since its inception but this one was the best ever for me. Business was good and a lot of people attended, we had a good opportunity to make contacts and network with other business people from other places too,” she told Confidente.
Jackson Nameva, a construction businessman also lauded the Expo. He told this publication that he was able to sell his business to potential clients during engagement at the Expo to which he articulated several people had shown interest in his services.
“I am expecting more phone calls and more business because a lot of people visited our stall to look at our building plans and quotations, especially those living in rural areas. We offer tailor-made building and construction plans for individuals and I can tell you many people got to know us because of the expo. I wish it will continue being held each year so that it can grow our businesses,” he stressed.
Vocational College owner, Ismael Hamunyela expressed profound gratitude for being offered an opportunity to promote his college at the expo. According to him, many local youths approached them to acquire about courses on offer at his Ongha Vocational Training Centre. His college offers Electrical, Motor and Agriculture related courses.
“To me, it was a great achievement to take part in the Expo.
Many people came to us in search of information and I believe next year we will see an increase in the number of our students,” he stated.
Helao Nafidi’s Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICC) Chairperson, Frieda Shikangala said the Expo served as the driving force behind the success of many businesses thus many business people strived by all means to part-take in them.
“It is during such events where people meet and link up for future business dealings. If you attend expos, then your business is likely to grow or improve,” she noted further urging the business community in Helao Nafidi to continue supporting the Expo.
Helao Nafidi Mayor, Darius Shaalukeni told Confidente his council would unsure the Expo grows from strength to strength in order to grow the local economy.
“All the people and organisations that you saw in the Expo make a contribution to our town in various ways.
Accommodation facilities owners benefited during the expo. Food sellers also benefited and even taxi drivers because there was a large number of people moving in and out of the town.
We want it to be that way each year,” he noted.
Shaalukeni said should another impediment not come about like the Covid-19 which brought many business events to a screeching halt, next year’s Expo will be of epic proportion.