By: Louisa Tatey,CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Min. of Commerce
In a concerted effort to re-awaken the consciousness of the business community in the State to the many investment opportunities of Maritime sector in enhancing Economic growth, the Cross River State Government, has organised an enlightenment seminar tagged ” Promoting Economic Growth through Export and Maritime Business”
The programme , which was packaged by the Ministry of Commerce In partnership with Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture,took place at the Conference Hall, Prof.Eyo Ita House, Calabar.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong, said the enlightenment seminar, was the maiden outing of the Ministry of Commerce In line with Governor Ayade’s vision of emancipating Crossriverians aimed at changing the people’s mentality of monthly salary based expectation,to ensuring that Crossriverians get involved in the non oil and gas sector.
The Commissioner, maintained that the industrialisation drive of Governor Ben Ayade, made it essential for the creation of the Ministry of Commerce In order to underscore the expediency of getting Cross River people involved in regional and International marketing adding that the Ayade-led Administration has set up so many Industries across the State, informing that most of this Industries, have started yielding fruits like the Tooth pick factory, , the Rice seedling Multiplication Industry and the Garment factory which has been contracted to supply a huge number of NYSC Uniforms amongst others.
Mrs Archibong ,stressed that the enlightenment seminar,was meant to energize and also get the public more informed on the dynamics of Port busibesses as the State plays host to the Calabar Port and is also endowed with various types of exportable goods and services.
She also said “we must know the opportunities and possibilities of various levels of Port businesses so that Crossriverians, having seen what the Governor has put in place, as a gate way to prosperity would be well informed and also be in a better position to embrace all the Commercial avenues that are available”.
The Commerce Commissioner called on the Federal Government to speed up the dredging of the Calabar Port and also hasten the completion of various roads construction especially the Calabar-Itu Ikot Ekpene road that leads to the South Eastern part of the Country where there is so much commercial actives going on and also the Calabar – Ikom-Ogoja-Katsina Ala roads to ensure more corridors of realising the many commercial commodities not only to other States but also to other Countries in the sub region.
In his declaration address, the Chairman, Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Hon.Chris Njar Mbu, who was also the Chairman of the event, said he was delighted to be part of the seminar,which was the first of its kind in the State,and commended the Commissioner for Commerce,Mrs RoseMary Archibong, for keying into Governor Ayade’s quest on economic emancipation of Cross River State.
Hon.Njar also informed that he gave primacy to the event, because the Commissioner for Commerce,was associated with the event, adding that with such a good outing, Crossriverians, will be assured that the economy of the State, is resting on the right shoulder.
He further stated that with the synergy of the Ministry of Commerce, NPA and CALCCIMA the State economy,will be boosted in no distant time and hinted that in line with the emancipation resolve of the State Government, a certain number of youths in the State,will be empowered through the Green-Money innitiative to go into Agriculture as the Government has promised to be off takers of their various produce.
The Lawmaker extended a hand of friendship to all Stakeholders especially those in the Maritime sector, promising that the State will partner the Maritime sector to ensure that the sector, is moved to a robust state where Crossriverians, would benefit from the sector’s activities.
In his Goodwill message, the Port Manager, Calabar Port, Mrs.Marie Asien, congratulated the Commissioner on her appointment, and described her as an amazon who has served the State creditably tin different various capacities
The Port Manager, who was represented by the Head,Corporate and Strategic Communication,NPA Calabar,Dr. Chijioke Ukadike, commended Governor Ayade’s commitment towards the transportation sector and highlighted Ayade’s history on transport infrastructure to include; the Ayade Motors,as well as the super highway and Deep Sea Port which were the key signature projects of his first tenure.
Dr. Ukadike maintained that such events, was apt as it will go a long way to expose the youths and Crossriverian in general, to the opportunities that lie beyond the shores of Nigeria as well as avail them the opportunity to target best products for export.
He also hinted of plans to get some major Cameroon based cement factories to seek for raw materials (clinker) from Cross River State in order to boost the State economy,emphasizibg that the raw materials has been found to be surplus in the State.
Dr. Ukadike,called on the Federal Government, to step up trade relations and activities with African Countries along the Golf of Guinea in order to enhance our revenue,promising to convey all reports concerning the event, to his Boss.
The maiden seminar, featured renowned guest speakers drawn From the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Agriculture the Director.General Trade and Investment Promotion as well as the Private sector.
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