Delta State government and the Republic of Ireland at the weekend agreed to pursue bilateral relations on economic cooperation on a number of areas with Irish business delegation expected in Nigeria later in the year.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ireland’s Minister of Trade and Development, Joe Costello agreed that a joint working partnership will be organized to explore opportunities of trade and investments in Delta state and opportunities in Ireland for business interests in Delta state.
Dr. Uduaghan in Ireland addressed a mini-investment summit organized as part of his three day visit to that country to receive an international award shared his message of Delta beyond oil to Irish businesses and entrepreneurs at the event which was held at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate business school, Ireland.
Governor Uduaghan invited Irish investors to partner with the state government in various areas ranging from ICT, agriculture, power and infrastructure development. He informed his audience that the business and investment climate in the state is very stable and profitable, noting that issues of insecurity has been curbed drastically.
Governor explained that although Delta State government has made investment in airport and power, it is looking to concession the Asaba airport and will sell the IPP plant on completion later in the year.
Mr. Joe Costello commended the initiative of the Governor and the people of Delta state and assured them that Irish government is committed to deepening economic relationship with Nigeria, which it has started doing by a visit of Irish businesses to Lagos last year with another to Delta state later in the year.
He explained that Ireland and Nigeria have a long standing relationship and are encouraged by the development to do business in the country.