ABIA – Governor Alex Otti, has restated the commitment of his administration to strengthening partnerships with the Ugandan government towards opening new markets and innovation for the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Governor Otti who stated this while receiving in audience the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Ochen Odida, and his delegation in his office at Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, promised that the state government would work closely with the Nigerian-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NUCCIMA) and the Ugandan High Commission to identify key areas of cooperation.
The Governor while expressing delight at Uganda’s interest in partnering the state,
described the development as an opportunity to expand economic collaboration between Abia and Uganda,
Governor Otti said his administration has been deliberate in supporting MSMEs because they remain the backbone of Abia’s economy , said Abia remains a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship, particularly in Aba, where local manufacturers are producing goods that compete at global level.
Earlier, the Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Philip Ochen Odida, said the delegation together with the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, are in the State to explore concrete avenues of economic cooperation between the State and Uganda, especially in the MSME sector.
He said that the Ugandan commission is looking forward to establishing follow-up mechanisms for business-to-business engagements, trade missions, and cooperative frameworks that will convert the goodwill into tangible results and commended Governor Otti’s achievements in governance and enterprise which has placed Abia as a rising centre of innovation, enterprise and economic dynamism.
He noted that Uganda views Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa’s economic renaissance adding that Abia’s model of industrial revival under Governor Otti’s leadership inspires confidence.
Earlier in his contribution, the President of the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NUCCIMA), Chief Michael Awunor, said Abia was chosen as a partner State because of its thriving SME ecosystem made possible through the State Government’s active support.
The State Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, were among the dignitaries present at the meeting.
