Chinese business owners empower Namibians

WINDHOEK -- Namibia has presented a competitive environment for growth for most Chinese-owned companies in the country. In return, the Chinese business owners are investing in empowering locals in efforts to achieve their full potential.

Great Wall International Enterprises, Guangda Mattress Manufacturing Trading, Great Wall Chemical Products Industry/Trade and First Wall Commercial Development Investment, Chinese-owned companies operating in Namibia, have joined forces to support Namibian people by sharing their investment proceeds.

In their recent bid, managing directors Ninguang Chang, Lizhen Chu, Stina Wu and Pan Guandgda, in addition to other Chinese business owners, donated tools and cash to the value of 160,000 Namibian dollars ($16,000) to Okatana Agricultural Community Project and Oshikondiilongo Kindergarten in Namibia's northern region.

Speaking to Xinhua on behalf of the group on Monday, Stina Wu, the vice president of First Wall Commercial Development, said the support extended to the people of Namibia is aimed at enhancing good relations and friendship with the Namibian people.

"The Chinese business community in Namibia is dedicated to improving livelihoods of Namibian people, especially the under privileged to ensure they reach their full potential," said Stina, who is also the facilitator and coordinator of the resource to communities.

Chris Shivolo, business development advisor of First Wall Commercial Development, said the two beneficiaries are the latest of the various projects that have been supported since 1996, through the corporate social responsibility campaign.

The traders have been at the helm of empowering Namibians, especially in the rural areas for nearly 17 years now.

"We are responding to the plight of the people. Most community members work hard but may have inadequate resources to prosper. They also need something to fall back on. We saw the potential of these projects in improving livelihoods," according to Stina.