Anwar Thomas
30 January 2004
THE Czech Republic intends to boost trade links with Namibia in addition to the already existing bilateral co-operation agreement in the fields of health and education.
In an exclusive interview with New Era, the Czech Ambassador to Namibia and South Africa, Jaroslav Siro said: "Although the agreement primarily focuses on development co-operation, increase in trade volumes is overdue."
Siro, based in Pretoria, South Africa said the political relationship between Namibia and the Czech Republic, which dates back to before the "split of the Federation" in 1992, was excellent and that Namibian students are the "single largest recipients of Czech scholarships".
"Twenty to 25 students are studying in the Republic," Siro added.
He said a team of Czech experts had already completed a survey for the establishment of a shoe factory and investments in the glass industry.
Asked where the shoe factory would be established, Siro declined to comment, but said the Namibian government would decide where the factory would be situated.
"I do not want to even mention the names of the three towns that are considered."
Ambassador Siro further revealed that his country would provide experts for the establishment of a glass factory, while the Namibian government would pay for the construction and labour, and provide land.
Siro, who is due to hold talks with the ministers of Foreign Affairs; Trade and Industry; Health and Social Services; and Women Affairs and Child Welfare, said the discussions would concentrate on trade and health, and on strengthening the already excellent relations.
He amongst others would stress - during the talks with the health minister - expediting the signing of an agreement which would see the arrival of medical doctors from the Czech Republic.
During his brief official visit, the ambassador will also hold talks with the Director General of the National Planning Commission.
Eighty Namibian orphans were hosted in his country, former Yugoslavia, during Namibia's liberation struggle and have returned after independence, Siro said.
President Sam Nujoma's 1990 visit to the Czech Republic is an embodiment of the support his country rendered to the Swapo Party and the peoples of Namibia, Siro added.
"It was the first visit from a Head of State from Black Africa," the ambassador proclaimed.
" I hope to brief the President on our activities in Keetmanshoop and on my discussions with the ministries when he addresses us ambassadors on Friday (today)," Siro added.
Siro will officiate at the opening of a Czech graphics exhibition in Walvis Bay over the weekend.
Siro was officiating at the opening of the 'People In Need Wake Centre' in Tseiblaagte, Keetmanshoop on Wednesday.
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