Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (AWKACCIMA) has expressed readiness to partner Anambra State Government to promote made-in-Anambra goods.
The President of AWKACCIMA, Princess Caroline Ajuora, disclosed this yesterday in Awka when the leadership of the organisation visited the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi.
In her address, Ajuora said that the City Chamber had plans to call together captains of industries, representatives of EEDC, security agencies and market leaders all in Awka, to build a relationship and strong alliance with Anambra State Government.
“The aim is to organize our collective efforts to enhance the development of manufacturing/industrial sector, and to improve the overall economy of the State.
Narrating some of the challenges faced by the organisation, the first Deputy President AWKACCIMA, Engr Chudi Egemba, lamented on apathy in Trade Fair issues by the government.
“It pains so much to see Anambra going to Lagos Trade Fairs. Most of these businesses going to Lagos Trade Fairs are owned, managed and somehow have influence of Anambra. Why can’t we make things to start happening here?”
Egemba, therefore, implored the Commissioner to get the Government involved in laying a good template and platforms to showcase what Anambra has to offer.
Also speaking during the visit, the 2nd Deputy President, Barr Philip Ekwempu, mentioned that they have a lot of commercial, business, and economic summits this year and subsequent years, and expressed hopes that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will support them.
Ekwempu also said that the organisation was poised to work with the Government in the area of private investors.
“We have contact with a lot of foreign investors. Some of us are also willing to invest but we need to know what programmes that the Government wants to present for investors.”
Reacting, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi, explained that the “State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, is interested, and is deliberating on public private partnerships (PPPs); Trade ventures and Free Trade Zones.”
He said that through PPPs, the State Government would partner private investors in delivering many projects and providing better public services in Anambra State.
“Free Trade Zones will drive production and encourage businesses. It will attract both local and foreign direct investments.
“So, it is our intention to work with you people. I am interested in summits, especially where it has to do with the vision of government in promoting made-in-Anambra goods,” he added.
