By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

Enpower Free Zone Management Company in-charge of the Enugu Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has urged local and international business concerns, including exporters and importers, to take advantage of the zone to grow their businesses.

The Business Development Officer of the company, Mr Chizoba Ene, made the call on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.

The 10-day fair, which kicked off on April 4, is themed: “Developing Nigeria Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition”.

Ene said that FTZ, which is under the regulatory control of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, is a tax-free zone.

“FTZ is totally free from all forms of duty payment, no Value Added Tax and Customs Import payment or Excise Duty.

“There is totally free tax encumbrances from the Federal, State and Local Governments tax and levy agencies or agents.

“The freedom from these encumbrances will make an entrepreneur to relax and fully concentrate on his or her business,” Ene said.

He pointed out that FTZ also helps to fast-track air-freight cargo escort from any airport in the country and abroad.

According to him, those operating within the FTZ enjoy 75 per cent import duty rebate on value-added products.

“All businesses under FTZ have access to export financing under the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

Ene also said that the zone is located within the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu (for freight concerns) and 9th Mile Corner, Enugu (for industrial and manufacturing concerns).

“It takes a minimum of 5,000 U.S. Dollars for all necessary registrations to operate within the zone,” he said. (NAN)