Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has opened trade discussions with the Peoples’ Republic of China towards securing trade privileges for entrepreneurs and business community of the state.
This cheering news was the outcome of interactions between the the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Umo Eno, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun in Abuja.
Governor Eno said that discussions with Chinese Ambassador were strategic for the accomplishment of the goals of the ARISE Agenda.
He explained that it was important to initiate such interactions in view of the state government’s intentions to collaborate with China in areas such as agricultural machineries, industry and tourism.
He posited that the discussion with the Chinese Ambassador was important following a planned trade trip of an Akwa Ibom delegation of young entrepreneurs to China to explore business opportunities.
This, he stressed, was in keeping with his campaign promises to propel Akwa Ibom youths to the horizon of entrepreneurship, by exposing them to the global business environment while also bringing the world to them.
“During the campaigns, we said we were going to support our young people who are in business and make them go international through certain products.
“This is the beginning of that discussion so that we can begin to have a trade delegation.
““We are also meeting them on agricultural machineries, industrial park and tourism. There are a whole lot of things we believe that we can collaborate with the Chinese, and it is important that we start talking to them.
“But particularly, we believe that at the end of it, we should be able to lead a delegation to China of some of our young entrepreneurs who will want to do business in China,” he said.
Governor Eno said that his administration would take Akwa Ibom people to a desired destination, but, sued for patience and support of the people.
“As a businessman, I target and strategise. And I take one step at a time. Like I told Akwa Ibomites, we are taking one step at a time. We will not be able to do everything in one day. But I know that we will get there eventually,” the governor stated.
