There is hope on the horizon for entrepreneurs and other members of the business community in Akwa Ibom State, as Governor Umo Eno has opened discussions with the Peoples Republic of China about securing trade privileges for the people of the state.
This cheering news was the outcome of interactions between the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Governor Eno, while briefing Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return to the state, said discussions with the Chinese Ambassador were strategic for the accomplishment of the goals of the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda and a step in the right direction for Akwa Ibom people.
He explained that it was important to initiate such interactions given the state government’s intentions to collaborate with China in areas including agricultural machinery, industry, and tourism, as well as the trade trip of an Akwa Ibom delegation of young entrepreneurs to China to explore business opportunities.
These, he affirmed, were in keeping with his campaign promises to propel Akwa Ibom youths to the horizon of entrepreneurship by exposing them to the global business environment while also bringing the world to them.
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In his words, “During the campaigns, we said we were going to support our young people who are in business and make them go international through certain products. This is the beginning of that discussion so that we can begin to have a trade delegation.
“We are also meeting them in agricultural machinery, industrial parks, and tourism. There are a whole lot of things on which we believe we can collaborate with the Chinese, and we must start talking to them. But particularly, we believe that at the end of it, we should be able to lead a delegation to China of some of our young entrepreneurs who will want to do business in China,” he said.
Governor Eno, while reassuring everyone that his administration would take Akwa Ibom people to a desired destination, sued for the patience and support of the people.
“As a businessman, I target and strategize. And I take it one step at a time. Like I told Akwa Ibomites, we are taking one step at a time. We will not be able to do everything in one day. But I know that we will get there eventually, “Governor Eno stated.
