By Ndife David – Awka.
The Anambra State Ministry Of Industry has convened a pre launch meeting for the commencement of the Made in Anambra export project, at government house Awka, Anambra state.
The pre launch which served as a lunch pack for industrialists, captain of industry, Banks, Presidents of the several Chambers of Commerce in Anambra, and stakeholders in the sector was aimed at starting a campaign, for some of the leading industries in Anambra to begin strategic export into the 54 African countries, where local manufacturers in the state will be encouraged to key into the policy to enable them export freely into Africa and other parts of the world.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, the Commissioner For Industry, Hon. Christian Udechukwu, expressed his desire of reinstating Anambra State as the hub of commerce and Industry in which it has been known for in the past. He emphasized that the era of just producing locally without taking into consideration the need to expand will soon be history, noting that the Government of Prof Charles Soludo has made frantic efforts to develop the industrial sector in the state, to ensure that manufacturers from Anambra enjoy the huge benefits therein in the large African market, which is being supported by some banks and development financial institution.”
“We want Anambra and Nigeria to get to get a share of that market. We believe that if we start now, that we will be ahead of the game, following the footsteps of our banks that have already expanded beyond africa.”
He affirmed that the state government is already working with some banks and other financial Institutions to ensure we create the structure that will enable them to export seamlessly into the African free trade area, which has a market of about 1.2 billion people and valued at about $3.4 trillion and therefore tasked the industries in the state to key into the policy of the state government, as most commercial banks in the country have already keyed into the program because of the enormous benefits inherent in the program, which he said is geared towards exporting Anambra brands to the world.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner For Information, Sir. Paul Nwosu noted that the initiative when properly engaged will open the state economy to have her share of the African continental market and cause a major boost to the state economy. He also called for robust media partnership in the project.
In her remarks, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, the wife of Sir Daniel Chukwudozie (Dozzy Oil) and a top notch entrepreneur in Anambra state, commended the organizers of the program for their innovation in making sure that industrialists from Anambra tapped into the over $3.4 trillion of the african market, a feat that has never happened in the history of Anambra, he added.
She said “better days await Ndi Anambra, as the governor has championed the economic development of Anambra, imagine how he has turned out to be our Chief marketing officer, making sure that made in Anambra products get the deserved boast at national, regional and International fora.”
She went further to tasked fellow entrepreneurs and industrialists to key into the policy of the state government towards ensuring that Anambra takes its place of pride in the comity of nation’s.
Contributing, the President of Anambra Chambers of Commerce, and also CEO PAXS Pharmacy Ltd, Pharm Uche Akpakama, commended the Government of Prof Charles Soludo for the wonderful innovation, which to him, will be the best thing to happen to Anambra when actualized.
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He lamented over the dwindling effect of industrial/commercial activities in Anambra due to so many constraints, but went ahead to thank God for the government of Prof Charles Soludo for adopting the innovation through the ministry of industry to revive manufacturing in Anambra.”
He, further stressed that the idea if implemented, will revive trade and commerce, but however tasked the Government to work to encourage and empower small and medium scale industries to effectively and efficiently produce what can meet International standard, aside from the export of only raw material which has not added much value to the country.
The Zonal head of FCMB, Awka Branch, Mrs. Christiana Ibe on behalf of banking sector pledged undeterred support and partnership with any commercial firm, industry with the plan to take advantage of the golden opportunity and benefit from the mouth watering accrued interest at the end of the day.
Other keynote persons who graced the event includes; the 2nd Deputy President, Onitsha Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Chinedu Nwonu, Anambra State Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Pharm Madubuattah Louis, Anambra State NASME Chairman, Hon. Chinecherem Oguegbe and Reps of Ibeto Group, Cutix Plc, amongst others.
