The Enugu State Government has said it is doing all within its ability to ensure further improvement on ease-of-doing-business within the state and ensuring it becomes number one investors’ destination.

The state’s Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, said this on Monday at the Enugu State Special Day at the 35^th Enugu International Trade Fair as well as the closing ceremony of the fair.

The fair, which began on April 5, is with the theme: “Promoting made-in-Nigeria products for global competitiveness.”

Mrs Chukwu, represented by the Head of Administration of the state Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Catharine Okeke, said that the Dr Peter Mbah-led administration was striving to grow the economy of the state through making a friendly environment for all investors.

She said, “Our amiable governor is creating a window of opportunities and promised to partner with the organised private sector in the state to ensure steady economic growth.

“The organised private sectors should equally support the state government’s initiative of creating a conducive business environment for sustainable growth of the economy, which is one of the cardinal goals and objectives of the current administration in reducing poverty rate.”

The commissioner also said that the state government was not resting on its decision to make Enugu State the safest and reference place for business investment and profitability.

She said that the state government was currently retooling its youths and school children with new Information and Communication Technology for them to brace-up for global competitive challenges in the international labour market.

She, however, lauded the Enugu Chamber of Commerce for the successful hosting and well-coordination of the trade fair including showcasing the rich hospitality of Enugu State to the rest of the world.

“Indeed, you have made the state proud again and continued to raise the bar of your success record with the successful hosting of the 35^th Enugu International Trade Fair,” Mrs Chukwu added.

Earlier, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Odeiga Jideonwo, applauded the state for its contribution to the fair, which made it a huge success.

Mr Jideonwo thanked Mr Mbah for personally taking up the demands of the chambers for the fair, adding that within a few weeks, the state government constructed over two kilometres of internal roads at the fair ground.

“The governor provided a gigantic air-conditioned tent and approved for exhibitors from its ministries, agencies and departments to fully utilise it to showcase products manufactured in the state, its rich agricultural produce and natural minerals,” he said.

He also lauded major sponsors and partners of the fair for contributing to its huge success, adding that Dangote Group and Monie-point had done exceptionally well.

“I must not fail to thank the over 100 companies, government establishments and other groups that exhibited at the fair for 11 days.

“While I assure them that next year’s fair will be richer as we are planning to make it more convenient with more air-conditioned tents and less spending for all exhibitors,” he said.

Declaring the fair closed, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Rimi, appreciated the hard work, industry and dedication of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce members leading to the huge success of the fair.

Mr Rimi, represented by the Director of Trade, Mr Gana Tuayeringha, said that the Federal Government was paying more emphasis on the promotion of locally-made-in-Nigeria products and services.

He, however, urged local manufacturers to ensure that their products do not compromise on standard for them to strive in the international market starting with the continent market.

“We have to take the issue of standard seriously to see that our locally-produced products gain international acceptance and market as well as compete favourably with other brands internationally. I also urge Enugu State Government to do more to increase local productivity in the state, especially in agro-allied products. The state has a comparative advantage over other states in the country,” he said.

He appreciated God and the Chamber members for a successful and hitch-free fair as he declared the fair closed.

(NAN)