Imo Liaison Officer Woos Chinese Embassy on Tourism, Infrastructure
The Imo Liaison Officer Lagos, Hon. Anthony Abili has solicited for partnership with the Chinese Government in the areas of tourism, agriculture, industrialisation, social housing and integrated infrastructure in the state.
This is just as he expressed the desire of the new government in Imo State to set-up five mini industries in each of the 27 local government areas of the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the new Consular-General of The Peoples Republic of China, Mr Chu Maoming in Lagos, Abili explained that the visit was to familiarise himself with the Consulate and deliver the good-wishes of the people of Imo State and the Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to the Consular General.
He also informed the Chinese Consulate of the large human capital resources available in Imo State, and the government’s desire to build an ICT Innovation Hub in Owerri, to empower the teeming youths of the state who represent a veritable repository of educated, young and vibrant skilled labour for potential investors.
The liaison officer stressed that Ihedioha, in preparing the state as an investment destination, had ensured the enthronement of good governance and sound fiscal practice with the introduction of the Treasury Single Account in the state, in other to drive revenue generation, curb leakages and fight corruption in the system.
“Such sound international best practice as well as the governor’s desire to establish a Security Trust Fund in the state, thus improving the security situation in one of the most peaceful states in the country, opens Imo economy for desirable investors.”
Abili further reiterated the tourism potential of the state, pointing to the high aviation traffic at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, which is the third busiest airport in the country, and has become a major gateway to other eastern cities.
He spoke of its potential as a major cargo route for Chinese investors, and informed the Consulate of the various cultural and historical sites that abound the state.
Other areas of interest according to Abili include the hotels that are available in Owerri, the state capital; the existence of the Oguta Lake Resort and its huge tourism potentials.
“In the area of Agriculture, I want to express the state government’s desire to resuscitate and revamp theAdapalm Plantation in Ohaji and Umuogu, which boasts 4,319 hectares of palm plantation that can be used to grow the agro economy of the state.
“We also have the large presence of cassava farmlands and rice belts in Ideato North, Oguta and Ihitte Uboma Local Government Areas of the state.”
He further spoke on the willingness of the state government to listen to prospective genuine investors, with verifiable capacity and introduce government’s policies that promote rapid investment, including tax incentives where necessary.
He stressed that Ihedioha remains passionate about social housing which various companies and government agencies in the Peoples Republic of China have the technology and experience to collaborate with the state government.
“We look forward to opportunities for a government trade visit – involving a delegation of Imo State government officials to the Peoples’ Republic of China to explore industrialisation potentials and sign MOUs.”
Responding, Representative of the Chinese ConsularGeneral was enthused by the visit, pointing out that it has provided an opportunity to learn about the various collaborative opportunities available to Chinese business interests and even the Chinese government, who have made a conscious decision to explore partnership opportunities with state governments in Nigeria.
He expressed delight that Imo State has a lot of tourist and industrialisation potentials and suggested that an investment teaser of brochure be produced, which will offer such information to various Chinese business entities, whilst promising to assist the state government in ensuring that such investment booklet would be circulated amongst the Chinese investment community.
The Consular General who promised to co-operate with the state government, said there are obvious advantages of attracting Chinese technology and industries in Imo State; as this will bridge hitherto communication gaps and encourage business and closer relationships between Peoples Republic of China and the state government.