In a move that could transform Windhoek’s industrial landscape, Ndeshihafela Larandja, the mayor of Windhoek, recently welcomed Indian High Commissioner Rahul Shrivastava for high-level discussions on potential collaboration between Namibia and India.
Central to their meeting was the exploration of opportunities in large-scale textile production within the Namibian capital. According to an official statement from the City of Windhoek, both parties emphasized the importance of international cooperation at the municipal level. The dialogue focused on leveraging India’s globally recognized expertise in textiles to stimulate industrial growth in Windhoek.
High Commissioner Shrivastava reaffirmed the strong and longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations. He highlighted India’s willingness to share its vast experience and advanced technologies in sectors such as manufacturing, urban development, and particularly textiles. He expressed confidence that Windhoek could benefit greatly from India’s success models in these areas.
Mayor Larandja praised India’s leadership in the global textile industry, noting that it sets a benchmark for innovation, scale, and sustainability. She reiterated Windhoek’s commitment to developing its textile sector and shared an ambitious vision to revive and repurpose the existing Ramatex textile facilities. Once a significant contributor to local employment, these facilities have been dormant for years. With strategic Indian support, Larandja envisions converting Ramatex into a dynamic hub for textile manufacturing.
“This collaboration has the potential to revitalize our local industry, generate much-needed employment, enhance skills development, and contribute meaningfully to our economic growth,” she said. Larandja emphasized that such a partnership would not only boost Windhoek’s industrial capacity but also align with Namibia’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable development.
The meeting marks a promising step toward deepening cooperation between Namibia and India, with tangible benefits expected for both countries. Further discussions and technical evaluations are anticipated in the coming months to assess the feasibility and roadmap for the proposed textile project.
News Curtesy: Apparel Resources