Windhoek — The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Tjekero Tweya, on Tuesday launched the Arandis Investment Conference, Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Arandis Town Council, Florida Husselman, the conference will focus on the investment potential of Arandis, due to its strategic geographical location and the potential of the town's growth in industrialisation, education and mining.

The theme for the conference, which is scheduled for the end of April next year, is, "Finding Solutions for Sustainable Development Initiatives."

The Mayor of Arandis, Daniel Muhuura, is excited about the prospects of the international conference and expo.

The overriding objective of the conference and first ever international Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo is to highlight to potential investors that as a town we are ready and willing to take on any challenges to improve Arandis as an investment hub."

The areas of focus during the 2013 conference will be manufacturers and service providers to the mining industry and the continued efforts of remaining a centre of excellence in education, such as the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), which was voted the best vocational institute in Namibia. The hospitality industry in the town is another area receiving attention.

The two-day investment conference will take place during April 25-26 and will run concurrently with the Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo.

"I wish to note that besides mining activities, other sectoral investment opportunities also exist at the town of Arandis and these are, for example, tourism, education, health and information and communication technologies and many other opportunities," noted the deputy trade and industry minister, who is also the patron of the conference.

Arandis was initially established as a mining settlement in 1976 to cater for the Rössing Uranium mine and was proclaimed a town in 1994.