The Abia government says it is committed to opening up the state to foreign investors wishing to take advantage of investment opportunities in the state.

Special Adviser to the state governor, Alex Otti, on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership, Chief Jerome Green-Amakwe, stated this at a news conference in Abuja to announce the plans of the state to host the Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition scheduled for November 25 to 27 in Umuahia.

The theme of the summit is: “Bridging Continents, Unlocking Prosperity”.

Green-Amakwe, who is also Chairman, Steering Committee for the summit, said that the summit would bring together business leaders and investors from Turkiye and other European countries to explore investment opportunities in Abia.

Green-Amakwe said that the summit is organised by the state’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

According to him, “It will showcase the state’s economic potential and comparative advantages as an investment destination.

“We have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VEGA Growing Global Enterprise, signalling our commitment to the success of this international investment summit and exhibition.”

He said that the three-day event would cover key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, textile, fashion and leather works, energy, infrastructure, trade, and logistics, among others.

He noted that the initiative is part of the state governor’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for private investment and sustainable economic growth in Abia.

“We are working assiduously with our partner to host a successful investment summit in Umuahia.

“Our key objective is to strengthen bilateral relations between Turkiye, Abia and Nigeria at large. We intend to also showcase products and services to the dynamic African market,” he said.

Green-Amakwe said that the summit would also provide opportunities for business-to-business engagements to connect investors, exporters and local enterprises and promote partnerships, and strategic joint ventures.

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu, in his remarks, commended the Abia government for its investment-driven initiatives.

Obegolu said the chamber’s “Buy Africa, Build Africa” mantra aligned with the objectives of the upcoming summit and pledged ACCI’s full support for the event.

“We have a duty to support every homegrown initiative that attracts investment and boosts manufacturing capacity in Nigeria and Africa.

“We are inviting businesses in the Federal Capital Territory to look toward Abia and take advantage of the opportunities the Turkish and European partners will bring,” he said.

He also hinted at plans to collaborate with the Abia government to host a “Made-in-Aba Expo” at the chamber’s premises to further promote locally manufactured products.

“We will be seeking your endorsement for that project and to get the businesses in Aba to come forward and showcase the products and services they offer.

“We must, as a country, begin to patronise made-in-Nigeria products. So, I commend you for leading this initiative.

“There was a time when “Made-in-Aba” was looked down upon, but recent history has shown that Made-in-Aba now means Made-in-Nigeria; it means quality,” he said.

Obegolu urged the media to highlight the summit positively, noting that such initiatives contribute to building a sustainable economy for Nigeria. (The Guardian)