On 16 May 2016, the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) hosted a Public-Private Dialogue on Trade in Services in Windhoek, Namibia. The discussion was attended by representatives from various government departments, sector regulators and the private sector.

tralac researcher, J.B. Cronjé, was invited as guest speaker on trade in services in the 21st century, focusing on the role of services in global value chains, the digital economy and its implications for trade governance.

He was joined by national industry experts Ms Katrina Kandjii-Black (Emerging Tourism Enterprise Association), Mr. Norbert Liebich (Transworld Cargo) and Mr. O’Rute Uandara (Letshego) from the tourism, transport and logistics, and financial services sectors, respectively.

The dialogue was moderated by NTF CEO Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, who also presented an update on the ongoing SADC trade services negotiations and Namibia’s current position.

Later the same day, J.B. Cronjé, was invited to present a public lecture on The Importance of Trade in Services in the 21st Century at the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business, Namibia University of Science and Technology presented in collaboration with the Namibia Trade Forum. The event was well attended by students and members from academia, business and civil society.