Windhoek — The Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) says it wants to work closely with government to improve the process of issuing work permits so that businesses can get faster access to skilled workers.

NCCI vice-president Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun said this during the NCCI's National Corporate Forum Dinner held at State House early this week.

Namundjebo-Tilahun said the Chamber is very concerned about the challenges of unemployment, shortages of skills and skewed distribution of resources, among other challenges.

"Addressing these challenges require collective efforts by stakeholders, particularly the government and private sector," she said.

She said the private sector is committed to work in collaboration with the government to address these challenges.

Namundjebo-Tilahun said it is important to ensure that the private sector grows and increases investments in the economy to make meaningful contributions to economic growth and job-creation.

The growth of the private sector also requires a business environment which can stimulate such growth, and in the NCCI's view, a few challenges remain which are impacting on this growth and ability to create more jobs.

"The biggest challenge which we must address very decisively and fast, is the shortage of skills. This is affecting growth in our economy, and it contributes significantly to unemployment," she said.

The shortage of skills force businesses to source skills outside the country, and the NCCI believes that this is only the short to medium-term solution to skills shortage.

Speaking at the same dinner, President Hifikepunye Pohamba said growing the economy remains a top priority of the ruling party, and his government plans to target key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and the services' sectors, particularly tourism and information and communication technology (ICT).

"I am happy with the numerous investments that have so far been made in the mining, fisheries, agriculture and tourism sectors. The investments in zinc and uranium production are very welcome, and we look forward towards the arrival of more investors in this sector," he said.