Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthen trade relationship with investors from other countries.

Ambode said this during a courtesy call on him by the High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ajjanpor Ghanashyan, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

He said that his administration was determined to further strengthen trade with the India.

According to him, the state has created an Office of the Overseas Affairs and Investment – to make the state more investor-friendly and safer.

“We have established Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, so that we can strengthen bi-lateral relationship. We need more investors to come into Lagos, so that we can create employment and grow our GDP. Whatever it is you think we can do to increase the number of investors from India, we are ready to talk,” he said.

Ambode expressed his appreciation to the visitors, noting that Lagos could draw inspiration from India as a modern democracy, and from the way its economy had thrived, in spite of its huge population.

He assured the High Commissioner that Lagos was ready to expand its frontiers to accommodate investors willing to set up their businesses in the state.

“We are in dire need of a platform that allows for food security, since this will directly impact on the lives of the residents of the state. It will also improve the economy of the State, increase the internally generated revenue, and translate to further employment opportunities for our unemployed youths,” he said.

Ambode listed software technology, manufacturing, as well as agro and agro-allied sectors, as possible areas where such bi-lateral relations could be strengthened.

According to him, his government will ensure that the State is safe, conducive and investor-friendly, to accommodate new businesses and investors willing to partner with Lagos.

In his remarks, Ghanashyan said his country was willing to partner with Lagos as it remains the economic hub and capital of Nigeria, as well as home to many India investments.

He informed Ambode that the crux of the visit was to invite him to address a delegation of 150 businessmen that would visit Lagos in the coming weeks as well as to seek ways to strengthen bi-lateral trade between India and Lagos State. (NAN)