The Enugu State Government says it is doing all within its ability to ensure further improvement in the ease of doing business within the state and ensure it becomes the number one investor’s destination.
Mrs. Adaora Chukwu, the state’s Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, said this on Monday at the Enugu State Special Day at the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair, as well as the closing ceremonies of the fair.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair, which began on April 5, is themed “Promoting made-in-Nigeria products for global competitiveness.”
Chukwu, represented by Mrs. Catharine Okeke, Head of Administration of the State Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Industry, said that the Dr. Peter Mbah-led administration was striving to grow the economy of the state by creating a friendly environment for all investors.
She said, “Our amiable governor is creating a window of opportunities and has promised to partner with the organised private sector in the state to ensure steady economic growth.
“The organised private sector should equally support the state government’s initiative of creating a conducive business environment for sustainable growth of the economy, which is one of the cardinal goals and objectives of the current administration in reducing the poverty rate.”
The commissioner also said that the state government was not resting on its decision to make Enugu State the safest and reference place for business investment and profitability.
She said that the state government was currently retooling its youth and schoolchildren with new information and communication technology (ICT) for them to brace up for global competitive challenges in the international labour market.
She, however, lauded the Enugu Chamber of Commerce for the successful hosting and well-coordination of the trade fair, as well as for showing the rich hospitality of Enugu State to the rest of the world.
“Indeed, you have done the state proud again and continued to raise the bar of your success record with the successful hosting of the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair,” Chukwu added.
Earlier, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, applauded Enugu State for its tremendous contribution to the fair, which made it a huge success.
Jideonwo thanked Gov. Mbah for personally taking up the demands of the chambers for the fair, adding that within a few weeks, the state government constructed over two kilometres of internal roads at the fair ground.
“The governor provided a gigantic air-conditioned tent and approved for exhibitors from its ministries, agencies, and departments to fully utilize it to showcase products manufactured in the state, its rich agricultural produce, and natural minerals,” he said.
He also lauded major sponsors and partners of the fair for contributing to its huge success, adding that Dangote Group and Monie- Point had done exceptionally well.
“I must not fail to thank the over 100 companies, government establishments, and other groups that exhibited at the fair for these 11 days.
“While I assure them that next year’s fair will be richer as we are planning to make it more convenient with more air-conditioned tents and less spending for all exhibitors,” he said.
Declaring the fair closed, Amb. Nura Rimi, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, appreciated the hard work, industry, and dedication of Enugu Chamber of Commerce members, leading to the huge success of the fair.
Rimi, represented by the Director of Trade, Mr. Gana Tuayeringha, said that the Federal Government was placing more emphasis on the promotion of locally made-in-Nigeria products and services.
He, however, urged local manufacturers to ensure that their products do not compromise on standards in order for the products to strive in the international market, starting with the continent market.
“We have to take the issue of standards very seriously to see that our locally produced products gain international acceptance and market share as well as compete favourably with other brands internationally.
“I also urge the Enugu State Government to do more to increase local productivity in the state, especially in agro-allied products, where the state has a comparative advantage over other states in the country,” he said.
According to him, I thank God and the Chamber members for a successful and hitch-free fair, and I declare this fair closed. (NAN)
