Awka, Anambra State – Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has outlined his administration’s robust strategy to promote production for export. He made this declaration during a Business Roundtable that brought together manufacturers, importers, and exporters in Anambra.
The event, themed “From Import to Industrialization for Export,” was held at the International Convention Centre in Awka, and aimed to identify the challenges facing businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, and exporting, with the goal of finding solutions.
Governor Soludo emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating investments in the state and understanding the needs of investors and their partners. He assured attendees that reforms were underway to streamline the approval processes within the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) without unnecessary delays. Furthermore, his administration is evaluating ANSIPPA’s facilities to ensure easier access for prospective investors.
Highlighting his administration’s ambitious plans in agriculture, including the palm and coconut revolution, Governor Soludo explained that these initiatives would create a new ecosystem within the state. He revealed that the government is expanding its land bank and is actively working to reduce the processing time for acquiring land Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to just 72 hours.
To enhance road safety, the government intends to introduce road markings to differentiate between red zones and free zones for motorists. Governor Soludo also acknowledged the need to address concerns regarding the activities of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) officials, including reviewing their fines, while keeping the public interest in mind.
The government is exploring the possibility of generating captive power using gas, with a commitment to transforming Upper Iweka into a safer and more appealing investment destination by December.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Industry under the leadership of Commissioner Mr. Christian Udechukwu, highlighted the government’s determination to attract more investors for the state’s development and economic growth.
Various speakers at the event raised critical issues affecting businesses, including the Monday sit-home protests, poor road conditions around Onitsha, Visa processing challenges, C of O acquisition difficulties, security concerns, touting, and the revival of the Onitsha Seaport, among others. Recommendations included the deployment of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, the establishment of an integrated trade platform, the provision of incentives for industrialization, and the creation of a contributory scheme for manufacturers.
The event also saw the presence of Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and several members of the Anambra State Executive Council, alongside numerous business leaders and entrepreneurs.
