*Begins Preparations for Third International Trade Fair
*Approves Export Readiness Programme
“Approves Greenhouse Projects
Abia State Government has intensified efforts to diversify its economy with the inuaguration of a Planning Committee for the implementation and commissioning of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agri-Industry Development Initiative.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the multi agency committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as officials of the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and national research institutes.
The commissioner described the programme as a strategic partnership between the Federal Government and Abia State aimed at unlocking the state’s agricultural and industrial potential.
“The NADI partnership between the federal government and the state government is designed to unlock Abia’s food, agri-business, and agri-industry potentials.
“The partnership emphasizes economic diversification to drive growth in the non-oil sector in agro-processing”, Prince Kanu said.
He further added said Abia would become the ninth state to be inaugurated under the initiative.
Prince Kanu disclosed that discussions between the state and federal officials under the Federal-State Joint Programme were ongoing, noting that a date for the commissioning ceremony would be announced once the engagements are concluded.
The commissioner also announced that preparations has begun for the third Aba International Trade Fair, which he said would focus on innovation, commerce and industrial development.
According to him, the theme of this year’s fair is: “Abia, the Young Breeds, Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth“, pointing out that the event, scheduled to hold by the end of the year, would feature exhibition and conference sessions running simultaneously to achieve better strategic outcomes.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Trade and Commerce had entered into collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train Abia State entrepreneurs for international markets through export certification.
According to him, the initiative is intended to improve product quality, eliminate counterfeit and substandard goods and strengthen the competitiveness of products manufactured in Aba and other parts of the state.
“This is a valuable strategic initiative that will boost the exports of many Aba products”, Prince Kanu stated.
He said that the State Ministry of Agriculture has received approval to establish two greenhouses in the three senatorial zone under a pilot scheme, as part of efforts to promote year-round agricultural production.
Prince Kanu said that project is aimed at “supporting the state government’s vision and promotion of all-year-round farming of vegetables under a controlled environment”.
“The approvals form part of the Otti administration’s broader strategy to diversify the state’s economy, strengthen food production, promote agro-industrial development and position Abia as a competitive hub for trade, exports and value-added manufacturing.
