The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State has unveiled a new partnership with the People’s Republic of China, aimed at transitioning the state from a primary producer of commodities to an industrial hub.
To ensure the success of the collaboration, the State would soon set up a committee for the Ekiti-China Cooperation, with about 7 Commissioners as members, alongside members of the China Economic Group and establish an industrial center where shared services, packaging, processing, value addition, certification and opportunities for entrepreneurs could be achieved.
The State Commissioner for Trade, Industries, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola who made this known in Ado Ekiti during an interface with Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and her team, urged the Chinese contingent to note the abundant resources in the State particularly in agriculture, adding that Ekiti remained the best destination for investments and a potential industrial hub.
Mrs. Adeola disclosed that the partnership between the two governments would focus on the areas of investment, agriculture, mining, power, tourism, education and innovation, stressing that the collaboration would bring about the establishment of a China industrial and vocational training center in Ekiti State.
Emphasizing the critical importance of the collaboration, Adeola acknowledged China’s formidable expertise in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), industrialization and production, adding that the partnership would boost Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s efforts at developing the sector and make entrepreneurs compete favourably globally.
The Commissioner explained that the collaboration was aimed at a two-way trade whereby Ekiti State would not only import but also export goods and services to China, stressing that the strategy would foster a balanced and sustainable economic relationship.
Mrs. Adeola who recognized the pivotal role of technology in enhancing production standards, expressed openness to receiving guidance and expertise from China.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Adebayo Oyeniyi, said the collaboration in areas of mutual interest would ensure economic growth, particularly in the SMEs sector and contribute immensely to the livelihood and well-being of Ekiti people.
He added that Government would leverage Ekiti’s educational prowess for productivity enhancement and solicited the continued support of all stakeholders for the efforts of the present administration to develop the State and make life more meaningful for the people.
The President, Ekiti State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Olufemi Hassan lauded the obvious dedication of the Oyebanji‘s administration to creating a favorable business atmosphere and enhancing investment prospects.
Alh. Hassan urged participants to grab the chance to build enduring partnerships with China, laying the groundwork for a future marked by mutual prosperity and achievement.
In her response, the Chinese Consul General, Ms Yan Yuqing who said the visit was her first time in Nigeria and Africa at large, described it as significant as it provided an opportunity for mutual understanding and economic friendship with Ekiti State.
Ms Yuqing stated that as Nigeria serves as a key training partner in Africa, Ekiti would now be the first training point in Nigeria, while affirming the People’s Government of China’s readiness to facilitate knowledge transfer through training initiatives.
Yuqing who expressed optimism for a prosperous future through enhanced cooperation between China and Ekiti, encouraged Ekiti residents to visit China to gain insights into Chinese history, culture and language.
The Chairman, Power Construction Corporation of China Limited, Mr. Yan Zhang explained that Power Construction of China operates in 105 developed and developing countries, including two in Nigeria, with a focus on hydro power due to its importance.
Mr. Zhang who expressed admiration for Nigeria’s abundant power resources such as oil, gas, hydro and solar, announced a 3000 megawatt initiative to address power shortfall nationwide, with a commitment to assisting Ekiti in enhancing its power system, leveraging the State’s water resources for hydro power and utilizing agricultural products like cassava and cashew for power generation.
During the discussion, participants raised inquiries spanning from ICT to agriculture and industrialization while the Consul General and his team assured that they would address these requests.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade Industries, Investment and Cooperatives ,Mr Dele Ogunsemoyin said the forum was a very successful one as all parties made positive contributions towards having an ensuring partnership.
Present at the event were the Southwest Regional Manager, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr Li Gang, Director General, Ekiti State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Sanya Fabiyi, members of EKCCIMA, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), members of Technology Incubation Centre, members of Ekiti Enterprise Challenge Participants, amongst others.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
