Namibia’s second industry is greatly affected by the closure of Lima Textile Factory

The secondary industry grew by 5.2% in 2008 and is expected to grow by 5.7% and 3.6% in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The secondary industry was greatly affected by the closure of Lima Textile Factory. Ramatex is a wholly-owned enterprise established in Namibia with a US$180 million investment from Malaysian Chinese. Production began in 2000 and reached its peak at the end of 2004. At its peak, the annual order volume was US$79 million and it employed more than 8,000 workers. It was one of the largest foreign-invested enterprises and the largest textile enterprise in Namibia, engaged in the entire production process from textiles to garments. Some foreign workers come from China. Affected by various factors, the Lima Textile Factory closed in March 2008.