Pix: The governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left), in a warm handshake with the US Consul General, Francis (John) Bray when the latter paid a courtesy visit to the governor in Government House, Enugu, yesterday.
The governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has enjoined the US Government to assist the state in its bid to attract investors and develop some of its natural and human resources to improve the economy of the state.
Governor Ugwuanyi who spoke of the severe economic situation in Nigeria as he played host to the United State’s Consul General, Francis John Bray and his team who were on a courtesy visit in the Government House, Enugu called for a new phase of relationship between his state and the United States, especially in the area of mutual economic and general business cooperation.
According to the governor, “as part of efforts to counter this adverse situation, we are now vigorously engaged in a campaign to attract direct foreign investments to our state. We are indeed telling the world that Enugu state is ready for business.
‘I, therefore, hasten to state that we are more than prepared to exchange ideas and partner with your office at all times, on all issues of development as they relate to Enugu state. This relationship has become even more crucial in the light of the challenges posed by the current economic crunch in the country”, said the governor.
He explained that following the long history of interaction of Enugu State Government with government of the United States through her diplomatic mission in the country, it is expected that a stronger and mutually beneficial working relationship between the US and the state is paramount.
Governor Ugwuanyi stated that in his efforts to counter the adverse effects of the economic crunch in the country, his administration had embarked on campaign aimed at attracting direct foreign investment in the state as well as partner and collaborate with interested investors.
According to the governont has put in place a conducive atmosphere in the areas of security, infrastructural development, environmental improvement, expansion and regulation of social services and amenities as well as intellectual advancement and skill acquisitions to attract businesses and investors into the state.
Governor Ugwuanyi enumerated other opportunities that abound in the state to include; agriculture and agro-allied enterprises, expanse of fertile lands, large deposits of relevant minerals such as coal, cement, oil, gas, and ceramics waiting for investors exploration.
He told his visitors that in order to showcase these potentials of the state to investors around the world, the state had scheduled an International Investment Summit between 12th to 14th of April, 2016 at Michael Opkara Square, Enugu with the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as an instrument of aid to foreign investors.
Earlier, the US Consul General and leader of the team, Mr. Francis said they are in Enugu to familiarize and acquaint themselves with the culture and tradition of Enugu people.
He told the governor that the age long relationship between the US and Enugu State is capable of transforming the economic fortunes of the state to an enviable height but urged the agents of the two governments to close ranks towards improving the economy of the state.