Chinedum Chijioke, the Director-General of Abia Public-Private Partnership and Investment Office, addressing newsmen on Friday, in Umuahia

The Abia State government says plans are underway, to hold a roundtable focusing on creating a platform for the state to engage the business community.

The Director-General, Abia Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Chinedum Chijioke, made the disclosure during a news conference on Friday in Umuahia.

Mr Chijioke noted that the meeting tagged, “Abia Business Roundtable,” had been scheduled to hold on Thursday and would be presided over by state Governor Alex Otti.

He further described the meeting as a platform for the business community and the government to collaborate and address issues of common interest.

He stated, “As you may be aware, across the globe, in developing economies or in developed economies, or in economies that are doing well, the private sector drives the economy. What the government does is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to be able to drive the economy. Of course, in doing that, you have to create a platform where you engage the business community, to exchange ideas and address challenges.”

He stated that the occasion would provide the business community an opportunity to be part of shaping government policies, as it relates to the business.

According to him, key business leaders, from across the country are expected to be at the event.

Mr Chijioke also said the programme had also been designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector, to improve the state’s business climate.

He said the engagement would accommodate businesses across various categories, including Small and Medium-scale Enteres (SMEs).

The DG noted that leaders of market associations and other organised private sector groups had also been invited to ensure broad representation of active economic players in Abia State.

He explained that the initiative formed part of the mandate of his office, which focused on investment promotion, facilitation, as well as aftercare and advocacy.

Mr Chijioke described the roundtable as an aftercare and advocacy platform designed to provide investors with the opportunity to present their challenges and contribute to policies that would enhance economic development.

He reaffirmed the office’s commitment to due process in investment partnerships, particularly in land acquisition and project approvals.

According to him, agreements are being carefully structured to ensure transparency, fairness and sustainability.

Mr Chijioke added that several projects already approved in principle were undergoing documentation and regulatory processes, with visible progress expected before the end of the year.

In his speech, the state Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the roundtable would provide a platform for investors to articulate their needs.

Mr Kanu also noted that the state government would, during the meeting, outline existing incentives and support mechanisms, to stimulate growth of businesses in Abia State.

He described the meeting as a fertile ground for constructive engagement and exchange of ideas, that would promote enterprise and attract investments to the state. 

(NAN)