The Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the Agricultural Trade Forum (ATF) will hold its eighth public dialogue next week Tuesday on trade issues with regard to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) under the theme "Trade and Poverty in Namibia - is there a link between trade liberalisation and eventual benefits for developing sub-Saharan African countries especially for the urban and rural poor?" The Doha Development negotiation round of the WTO was focused on the relief of poverty in developing and least developed countries in the world, but especially on countries in Sub Saharan Africa. Estimates by the World Bank and IMF showed in the past that full trade in goods liberalization could bring advantages of up to US$ 360 billion to developing and least developed (LDC) countries. In the meantime, these modeled estimates were substantially reduced to US$ 89 billion accruing to all trading nations that are members of the WTO, including developed countries. The question thus arises: Will there be any substantial benefits to Namibia from trade liberalization in the WTO negotiations?

The presenters at the eighth public dialogue meeting of the ATF /FES will try to address this question in a way that makes possible changes in the world trade environment and its impact on Namibia in an understandable manner to all, and not only to the few economists. The event takes place at the NamPower Convention Centre.

Participation must be confirmed via sylvia@fesnam.org.na before 7 June as only limited space is available.

Standard Bank and Nashua handed over 8 new and modern duplicator machines to 4 regional offices of the education ministry in the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions. Schools in there will now be able to request the directorates for copies and the directorates in turn will be able to supply the schools with their exam papers or other educational copies on time and in a cost effective way. While these duplicators remain the property of Nashua, the directorates pay no rentals as this is being taken care of by Standard Bank. The ministry’s directorates are only responsible for buying ink and paper and the service of the machines.

According to Carin de Klerk, marketing manager of Standard Bank, the bank seized the opportunity to become involved with the project with both hands. "Education is the biggest recipient of money from our social investment fund and this is a great initiative to ensure that learners in Namibia receive the necessary materials to enable their studies", she said. Mr Muis Burger, sales manager of Nashua pointed out the advantages of the digital duplicators which are low cost maintenance, high quality copies at high volumes in a relatively short time. According to Burger, copies with a duplicator cost about 2 cents per page, compared to 7 -10 cents on a photocopier.

The performance of the global economy would remain robust and broad-based during 2006 but in a moderate way, said Old Mutual. Risks to these prospects remain the high energy prices, an emerging market crises and the US housing sector slowdown. The major risks remained the overreaction of central banks to the potential inflation implications of higher commodity prices in general, and oil in particular, Old Mutual said in a statement reviewing the economy.

In South Africa, inflation remained firmly under control and interest rates were unlikely to spike from current levels and growth prospects for the RSA economy remained intact.

Namibian economic growth should pick up slightly in 2006 on the back of favourable prospects for agriculture and mining. New mining production from the Elizabeth Bay diamond and the Langer Heinrich uranium mines, coupled with strong prices for uranium, copper and zinc would contribute positively to mining. However, the fishing sector experienced setbacks due to lower quotas, seasonal closures, lower fish prices, a stronger currency and rising energy costs. The resultant effect was also likely to be felt in the manufacturing sector, which relied largely on fish products for exports. A relatively strong currency and increased competition would provide further inertia to the manufacturing sector. Inflation rising mainly due to increasing transport and food prices was expected to remain relatively suppressed, Old Mutual said.

The Ovambanderu group of the Herero-speaking people will hold its annual commemoration in honour of their slain chiefs Kahimemua Nguvauva and Nikodemus Kavikunua at Okahandja on the weekend of 9-11 June. Kahimemua was executed by German colonial authorities exactly 110 years ago on 11 June 1896. Disputes arose about the borders of "Hereroland" in the Gobabis area with the German authorities.

Since early 1993, the German government granted equipment aid to the NDF totalling about N$90 million. The programme was extended to 2008. Additional equipment aid to the value of N$6,859 million will was donated to the NDF on Monday. Since 2003, a fully integrated computerised logistic system (ILS) for the NDF was developed in various stages, with the aim of connecting the whole NDF (i.e. 150 work stations) by the end of 2008. The logistic system is based on SAP (Software Application Product) of Walldorf Germany with the module ‘material management and plant maintenance’. So far, 60 computer workstations and one data centre at composite depot Luiperd’s Valley have been installed. The new system would facilitate fast and reliable information and an instant overview of all materials, equipment and their operational status, said German Ambassador Wolfgang Massing at the handing over ceremony at Bastion 1 in Windhoek.