The Erongo Trade Expo kicks off this week with nearly 110 stands, as well as the WesBank Auto Show, at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre.

Erongo Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma, will officially open the event on Thursday.

According to expo spokesperson, Gys Reitz, exhibitions in the Erongo, Namib and MTC halls will range from interior décor, jewelry, leather wear, fine foods, solar systems to cellular operators and Government institutions.

"One of the interesting exhibitions will be that of Air Namibia, where visitors could first-hand experience a flight simulator, demonstrated by a pilot, as well as stand a chance of winning two return tickets to Cape Town and accommodation for two at a five-star wine estate," he said.

For emerging small and medium businesses, the Development Bank of Namibia (BoN) will be hosting an information session on their specific assistance in the Namib Conference Room in the municipal building on Thursday evening from 17h30.

NamPower will invite representatives from the Erongo Regional Council, the municipalities of Walvis Bay and Swakop-mund, business leaders and concerned people to an open session on the electricity supply situation in Namibia. This will be at the Kuisebmond Municipal Training Centre on Friday from 18h00.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry is sponsoring the participation of ten small and medium enterprises that will be showcasing locally manufactured products, ranging from woodwork to garments.

On Friday, as a symbolic gesture to promote local trade and industry, Nuuyoma will hand over the first ever 'Governor's Award' to the best exhibitor from the region during the expo awards ceremony.

The top exhibitions in the categories of Best Overall, Best Corporate, Best SME and Best Vehicle will be honoured with trophies, while all exhibitors will receive attendance certificates. The judging of the stands will be done on Thursday, said Reitz.

At the WesBank Auto Show visitors may view a variety of new vehicles, from 11 dealers at the coast and from Windhoek. On display will be the newly released Chevrolet Cruze, the Alfa Romeo Mito, the new double and King Cab Nissan Navarra, the Club Cab Mitsubishi Triton as well as South Africa's Car of the Year, the Honda Accord Executive 2.4. Also the Volkswagen Scirocco and Golf 6.

"Motorbikes, trucks, small buses will also be exhibited, while water sports enthusiasts can attend the launch of a new jetski," Reitz said.

Visitors who buy a vehicle at the show through WesBank will stand a chance to win a big flat screen television. Part of the WesBank Auto Show on Saturday, October 31, will be performances by the Namibian Navy Band and drum majorettes, pom-pom girls and dancers from the Walvis Bay Secondary and Narraville Primary schools. A procession of motorbikes, monster vehicles and the finalists in the Miss Erongo Trade Expo competition can be seen driving down the main street, Sam Nujoma Avenue, and in the afternoon enthusiasts can get an earful at a sound-off competition.

While adults enjoy the exhibitions or relax in the entertainment tent, children can have a go on the go-karts, jumping castles and trampolines (they jump in harnesses on bungee ropes under supervision).

The Kudus Rugby Club is hosting the entertainment (Miss Erongo Trade Expo, performances by Vivian Molauly and DJ Rico) and will also provide delicious breakfasts, lunches, snacks and liquid refreshment.

The Erongo Trade Expo and WesBank Auto Show will be open on each day from 09h00 to 21h00. Visitors enter free of charge.

"They are advised, however, to bring enough money to buy the products on display or to enjoy the kids entertainment and refreshments," Reitz said.