Brazil expresses interest in Namibian fish

Brazil has expressed its desire to see more saltwater fish exported from Namibia to their country, saying it is one step closer to ensuring balanced and regular trade between the two countries.

This is according to its ambassador, Vivian Sanmartin, who is hosting a business delegation from Brazil in Namibia to explore business opportunities.

“Namibia is a big producer of fish and as far as I am informed, this fish does not come directly from Namibia, so I think we have to see how we can address this matter,” Sanmartin said.

According to Sanmartin, it is incumbent on both countries to identify gaps in their markets.

“It is important for Namibia to look at what goods it can sell to Brazil. How can we have regular maritime lines, for example, to go to Brazil with products and come back with products?" she said.

Opportunities to be seized

Brazilian businessman Pedro Silva said there is an opportunity for Namibian businesses to fill empty containers that return to Brazil as a means to balance trade.

“We are importing salted water fish and these containers are coming back empty to Brazil. Why? They need to come with Namibian fish and for that, we need the support of the Namibian government together with the Brazilian government, that is, to have cooperation,” Silva said.

Brazil is keen to help Namibia streamline its processes to ensure that it benefits from its export of fish products to that country.

“We can certify the fish for human consumption, and then we are going to streamline the volumes and ... we are going to reduce the average cost of transportation," he added.