UK envoy looks at trade links

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, James Duddridge, MP, made a one-day visit to Namibia where he met with the President, HE Hage Geingob, earlier this week.
The visit focused on bolstering bilateral relations and expanding trade links with Namibia, where he met with different dignitaries that included the Prime Minister, Right Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, as well as the Finance Minister, Hon Calle Schlettwein. Duddrige also met representatives of local British businesses.
The minister during his visit, discussed and heard plans for the development of Namibian ports and associated logistics.
Currently, Namibia’s largest commercial port, Walvis bay, is under expansion, which is being undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and is expected to be complete by 2017.
Duddridge highlighted the many investment opportunities in this sector and discussed the need for a sound business environment to attract the investment needed for Namibia’s planned infrastructure projects.
“It has been a very successful visit. I am impressed by the developments in Windhoek, as well as by the Namibian Government’s focus on economic growth and its war on poverty,” he said.
Furthermore, he said he looks forward to fostering even greater economic ties, citing the British government’s commitment to participate in development through Public Private Partnerships.
Duddridge was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office on 11 August 2014. He was elected to Parliament in 2005 as the Conservative MP for Rochford & Southend East. He spent ten years working in banking in the UK and in Africa.