An economist says the influx of Chinese nationals – and their thriving ventures in Namibia – show the country’s unlimited potential to prosper. Economist and academic Hoze Riruako, who addressed members of the SME community at a gala dinner over the weekend, organised to solicit funds for holding the seventh Katutura Expo, said opportunities in Namibia are immense and should be explored and grabbed by local entrepreneurs. Dr Riruako said finding the money to launch and operate the business, has been a major hurdle for small and medium enterprises. The economist said another problem of new and emerging SMEs and entrepreneurs, is a lack of product diversification – people should offer different products on the market, so that all can exist together. He admitted to a lack of adequate information on funding opportunities made available by government and the private sector but urged the business community to develop a go-getter attitude by finding such opportunities themselves, rather than waiting to be spoon-fed. Dr Riruako says before embarking on any enterprise, it is important to do a thorough analysis of the market to find the needs of customers. He added that starting a business requires determination from an entrepreneur.