The Abia state government has restated its commitment to partnering the European Union (EU) and other international Agencies in addressing some challenges facing small scale manufacturers including power, automation and standardization.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem who stated this while addressing the press after conducting the European Union (EU) delegation led by the Head Cooperations, Mr. Massimo De Luca around the Umuehilegbu Shoe Market, Aba, announced that Governor Otti is desirous to giving traders all necessary supports to make them increase their production level.
Chief Inem explained that the facility tour was aimed at assessing existing challenges, to enable Government and the EU identify areas for strategic intervention, adding that having seen their challenges, government will interface with the traders to improve their working environment.
He used the forum to urge traders in the market to be proud of their products as plans are on to standardize them in collaboration with the EU-team and other local and international partners.
Also speaking, the Head, EU Delegation and Head of Cooperations Mr. Massimo De Luca noted that they have over the years partnered UNIDO, the United Nations among other bodies in supporting the private sector through lots of interventions.
Mr. De Luca announced the European Union support to the traders to enhance their productivity, quality standards to enable them compete favourably in the international market, disclosing that the union would in no distant time start working on value chains, quality and improvement in manufacturing.
He described the visit as a dream come through, saying that Abia name deserves all the attention in Nigeria and across the world.
Our Correspondent reports that the team which also included the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, and his Social Protection and Vulnerable Group counterpart, Mrs. Blessing Felix also visited Rosies Textile and Garment industry Aba.
