Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah , Friday, declared open the 36Th Enugu International Trade Fair, with a reassurance that his administration will continue to build infrastructure and create enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fair holding at the permanent site of the Trade fair complex, Golf Estate, Enugu, Governor Mbah said his administration has created an enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive. He charged the organisers of the fair to set up a structure that would measure success through the number of jobs created, businesses and investments attracted.
Pix: Deputy Governor,Ifeanyi Ossai
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Mbah called for public private partnership, noting that the private sector driven economy, Small and Medium Enterprise and businesses were the bedrock of growth and development of every society. He said “Enugu state is open for business and investments.”
He hinted that the attraction of investments, economic and infrastructural development, education, health as well as the entire wellbeing of the people have remained the cardinal focus of his administration.
Governor Mbah added that his administration was committed in breaking all barriers that would make business to fail. assuring that his doors are open for genuine partnerships.
“We commit to do all that we can to ensure that all businesses we do in Enugu state succeed. In the last 20-21 months, we achieved success in providing security, infrastructure, education, healthcare What will determine our success is to work to encourage businesses, play by the rules to ensure business thrives. That’s what we do as a government.
“For us , we do those things that businesses required to thrive”, he said.
He urged exhibitors, customers, participants,and investors to visit the fair for exchange of business Ideas and contacts.
- ECCIMA council members , and Government officials
In his speech , the President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Dele Oye, who was represented by the President, South East/South South Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, SECCIMA,Humphrey Ngonadi, said for Nigerian industries to be competitive, there is a pressing need to enhance production capacity, improve regulatory frameworks, and invest in technology-driven industrialization.
He called for a policy that will provide export, digital platforms, urging the federal government to collaborate with the private sector through capacity building to thrive in the global competition.
The NACCIMA president commended Enugu state Governor for his good works in the state. He also commended the organizers of the Fair(ECCIMA) as well as the business community for their partnership to grow the economy.
He said according to a report, over 80 percent of small scale industries in Nigeria lack access to formal credit facilities, thereby restricting their ability to scale up operations.
Earlier in his address , the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA, Odega Jideonwo called for support for Small and Medium Enterprises( SMEs)
He said the theme of the fair,” Developing Nigeria Industrial Sector/ SME for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition” was apt as it seems to give support to the sector that would catalyze change in the economic landmark of the nation.
Jideonwo added that the reality of the present economic challenges which has been worsened by volatility in the price of mono revenue foreign exchange earner oil, has made it necessary that Small and Medium Enterprise is supported to grow and become the backbone of the industrial sector.
He disclosed that all the infrastructural developments at the site were funded by ECCIMA with the Federal ministry of industry, trade and investment. The president appealed to the federal government “to approve the request of the federal ministry of industry , trade and investment to set aside adequate fund for direct award of contract to a competent contractor to complete the development of the Enugu International Trade fair complex just as was done in Kaduna and Lagos.”
Trade fair is an exhibition where companies showcase their products and services to customers, exchange ideas, offering opportunities for networking, business development, and trade promotion.
Enugu international trade fair would last for 10 days It is expected to end on April, 15.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama