Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for collaboration between the organised private sector and the government needed to attract investments that would grow the states economy.
The governor made the call in his speech at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), recently in Enugu, which saw the emergence of Odeiga Jideonwo as the 17th president of the chamber.
The governor, who was represented by Patrick Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro- Industrialization, said that it is very essential to foster strong collaboration between the public and private sector, to work hand in hand, leveraging each others strengths to create an enabling environment that will attract investments, support entrepreneurship and promote the growth of local businesses.
He said that a strong relationship between the private and public sector could position Enugu as a leading economic powerhouse that will attract domestic and foreign investors.
According to him, Enugu has long been recognized as a hub of businesses as industries operate in a rapidly evolving global economy where technological advancements and sustainability play pivotal roles.
Our state is blessed with abundant natural resources, skilled work force and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. We must harness these assets effectively aligning our efforts towards sustainable development and inclusive growth, the governor said.
He stated that the annual general meeting offered the state and the organised private sector an opportunity to reflect.
We must acknowledge that we operate in a rapidly global economy, where technological advancement and sustainability play pivotal roles, hence it is imperative that we adapt and embrace innovation and foster a culture of creativity within the industries, he said.
Earlier in his address, Jasper Nduagwuike, the outgoing president of ECCIMA, thanked God for the opportunity given to him to serve the chamber and humanity. The former president advocated a way forward based on issues like taxes and business environment policies. He stated that the 50th AGM was his second and the last of stewardship as the president of the chamber. In my acceptance speech, when I was elected as the president of this chamber, I committed to relevance, visibility and excellence and by grace of God, our commitment has been achieved in Enugu, he said.
He officially led the governor to the opening of ECCIMA restaurant, which his administration started and completed within the ECCIMA complex.