A renowned entrepreneur and Traditional ruler, Eze Paul Uzuegbu has emphasized that the realization of the proposed Southeast Export Processing Zone in Umuahia will have far-reaching effects. He listed job creation, expansion of the Abia state revenue base, and a significant income boost for farmers in the South East region as derivable benefits for the proposed South East Export Processing Zone.
Eze Uzuegbu, the Paramount ruler of Okauiga Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community in Umuahia North LGA, stated this while reacting to the recent visit of Governor Alex Otti and his team to the Umuahia Business terminal.
The terminal is the intended location for the Eastern Export Processing Zone along the Abia Tower axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
The Royal Father while noting that the Federal Government had already designated the location as the Eastern Processing Zone, said the people of the Southeast would by this development now boast of a functional processing centre for all Agro-related products prior to exporting them to global markets.
He described the Governor’s visit to the site within two months of assuming office as a demonstration of a leader who is committed to unlocking substantial economic prospects for the state.
Eze Uzuegbu used the forum to appeal to the state government to prevail on the House of Assembly to consider enacting a law on “Agro For Export” to enable the Ministry of Agriculture, ADP and National Crop Research Institute Umudike work towards farm crops with lesser period of maturity.
