Luanda: The Namibian ambassador to Angola, Leonard Iipumbu, emphasized the strategic significance of Cunene province in facilitating trade exchanges and bolstering the economy in the southern region. Speaking to ANGOP on the occasion of the 19th edition of Expo-Cunene, the ambassador highlighted the province's pivotal position due to its extensive shared border with Namibia, which eases trade between the two nations.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Ambassador Iipumbu noted the historical, cultural, and economic ties binding the peoples of Namibia and Angola. This connection is further strengthened by the agreement allowing border residents to move within a 60-kilometer radius using only a crossing pass. The ambassador expressed his commitment to the province's development, acknowledging the significant progress made in Cunene over the past 56 years.
Ambassador Iipumbu attended Expo-Cunene alongside governors and delegations from the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Kunene regions. The event served as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices to be implemented in their respective regions. Expo-Cunene, held under the theme 'Cunene 56 years, living culture and continuous development,' features 210 exhibitors across numerous categories and anticipates a business volume of 800 million kwanzas.
Cunene's celebration of its 56th anniversary as a province on July 10 marks its separation from the former district of Hula in 1970, initiated by General Pereira N'Den§a. The province shares a 460-kilometer border with Namibia, comprising 340 kilometers of land border and 120 kilometers of river border. Cunene's political-administrative structure includes 273 villages, 10 communes, and 14 municipalities, with a population of 1,806,417.
