Namibia wants to trade in nuclear technology, but the Government says the bureaucratic process of becoming a member of the Nuclear Supply Group is slowing down this plan. Mines and Energy Minister Obeth Kandjoze made the observation at the opening of the Southern African Power Pool – SAPP – Executive Committee meeting at Swakopmund on Thursday. Representatives of power utilities in the region are deliberating on power planning and development matters. The aim is to provide reliable and economical electricity supply to consumers by using natural resources. Uranium is one source that could bring a wide range of benefits to Namibia and the region. Despite its abundant presence in the country, Kandjoze says it cannot be used, because Namibia is not a member of the Nuclear Supply Group – NSG. He says a seat on the NSG is crucial for Namibia because the group controls the global trade in nuclear technology. Kandjoze says Namibia is lobbying for support from other member countries to use the large uranium deposits in the Erongo region to its advantage. He explains that the country and SADC can use nuclear technology in agriculture to improve crop production. The NSG was established to prevent nuclear material and technology from falling into the wrong hands.