Foreign investors: Abia govt to partner Vietnam in Agriculture, Trade, Commerce , Others

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has expressed readiness of his government in partnering the socialist Republic of Vietnam in various areas of the interest for the development of Abia state.

Governor Alex Otti stated this on Tuesday when he had in audience a delegation led by the Vietnamese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Bui Quoc Hung.

The team paid him a working visit at his Umuehim, Nvosi Country home in Isiala Ngwa south local government area of Abia state.

He said that there are many areas the state could collaborate with Vietnam for mutual benefits.

“We are very happy to have you in Abia. We will be very happy to work with you. I see a lot of areas where we can collaborate and work together.”I see a whole lot of opportunities for us to partner. We will be pleased to work with you to improve our relationship in trade, commerce, manufacturing and agriculture,” Gov. Otti said.

The Abia State Governor said that his government is focused in what it wants to achieve, saying that he has held meetings with those that are interested to partner with the Government before now to float certain industries in the State.

He directed the Commissioner for Industry to work with the Vietnamese Ambassador and for the government’s team to take them round the state to see things for themselves.

While thanking the Vietnamese Ambassador for choosing Abia State for a partnership, he expressed optimism that with the possible partnership with Vietnam, those ailing industries could be revived.

Earlier, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Bui Quoc Hung highlighted the vast economic opportunities in the state, in agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, oil and gas, and expressed interest in strengthening trade relations with Abia State, with particular interest in agriculture, manufacturing, and the oil and gas sectors.

The Ambassador emphasized the commitment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to fostering a strong bilateral relationship with Abia State to enhance import and export activities and create mutual benefits between Vietnam, Nigeria in general and Abia State in particular.

He said that he would use the few days he would be in Abia to visit certain sites such as National War Museum, Golden Guinea, Saclux Paint, Aba Textile Mill including Shoes and Garments Clusters in Umuahia and Aba as well as hold meetings with Aba and Umuahia Chambers of Commerce to explore potential partnership opportunities between Vietnamese government and her private sector with Abia State.

Mr. Hung commended Governor Otti’s leadership, applauding his efforts in improving the economic standards of the people.

“We appreciate your leadership. We will like to congratulate you on your exemplary and focused leadership of the Abia State Government,”he said.

The delegation was later taken to the National War Museum, Umuahia in company of the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Digital Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe while other sites have been scheduled and engagements planned with relevant groups.