By Eze Nkechi
The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said the state remains an evergreen investment destination for the diplomatic community and development partners to build robust partnerships towards sustainable socio-economic benefits all stakeholders.
Governor Otu, who spoke at the first “Executive Governor’s Roundtable” organised by the State government in Abuja on Tuesday, said the Forum was the first in a series of engagements planned by the state to build strong collaborative ties with the diplomatic community and development partners towards a mutually beneficial future.
“Prospective investors should embrace and take full advantage of investment opportunities available in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, hospitality as well as oil and gas sectors of the state’s economy” he said.
According to the Governor, the Roundtable’s theme; “Building Cooperation for a Better Today and Resilient Future”, resonates with his administration’s “People First” mantra that seeks to put the people at the forefront of the State’s developmental agenda, adding that the government would not relent in aggressively showcasing the attractive investment opportunities across various sectors in the state.
The governor further said given that the economies of the world are growing in interconnectedness due to globalisation, it has made for increased wealth creation, opportunities, and fluidity in investment and cooperation funds meant for development purposes.
Expressing his administration’s readiness to position the State economy to benefit maximally from this increased liquidity within the global corridor, Prince Otu said; “Cross River State, also known as the People’s Paradise, is home to a constantly evolving economy with a strong history as one of the most flourishing states, original trade and diversified economies, based on abundant resources, with a strong commitment towards sustainable economic environment and social development”.
“The State has opportunities for cooperation which cuts across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, social development, education, social development, humanitarian services, agribusiness, commerce, industry, manufacturing, solid minerals, oil and gas, and hospitality.”
In his speech at the event, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian, said India and Nigeria have relations dating back to 1958, noting that the South Asian country currently has over 155 companies operating in Nigeria with one of them actively involved in the development of the near-comatose TINAPA economic zone.
Balasubramanian also hinted about interest from some business groups in India on the prospects of land acquisition on lease for developing agricultural products in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said his country is ready to partner with Cross River State in various sectors, including drip irrigation and rice farming among others in which they have developed expertise.
