Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti will next week Tuesday Commission the Aba Export Growth lab, a major initiative under the Growth Exports Pillar of the state government’s economic rejuvenation agenda.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who disclosed this during a press conference held at Government House Umuahia, said that the formal commissioning of the Export Lab signals a strategic shift towards export-led industrialisation drive of the State which Aba is championing as the state’s industrial and innovation hub.
Prince Kanu noted that the lab will provide targeted interactions to help businesses identify viable International markets for products manufactured or made in the State, assess and strengthen their internal capabilities while initiating export activities.
The Commissioner, who said that the programme is designed to run for six months in the first instance, noted that a number of carefully selected and qualified businesses will be chosen as pilot businesses in the first phase.
The Information Commissioner revealed that the event would aim to deliver export strategies, verify market needs, and initial export transactions for about 20 or more Aba-based businesses that are primarily targeted in the African market.
He disclosed that the programme which is done in partnership with some development partners including the UNDP, would hopefully result to significant improvements in internal business capabilities, including pricing, product adaptation, packaging, production management, and international certifications among others.
Prince Kanu while presenting the indigenous Akwete Clothes as a case study, added that the strategic focus areas would be on products that offer clear strategic advantages and self-established markets.
Contributing, the state Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, explained that what the government is trying to do is to reactivate Aba as the true Japan of Africa as the Export Growth Lab will primarily instill confidence in made-in-Aba producers.
He said that producers in Aba will also be taught how to package their goods to meet international standards to make their goods compete favourably in the international markets.
Also, the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Odinakachi Emeh, said that the state is partnering the UNDP, UNIDO and other development partners to boost the businesses in Aba and restore Aba as the economic hub it is known for, describing Aba as an existing brand.
They noted that the government is providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that the Export growth Lab would provide employment opportunities for the teeming populace.
