Cross River Woos Investors, Hosts Trade Fair In November
- Committee sets Nov 15 to 26 date
- “In Support of Our Shared Prosperity”
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – In pursuit of its socio-economic development plans for a new dawn, the Cross River State Government (CRSG) is stepping up efforts at wooing investors to galvanize effective delivery of the “People’s First” agenda and economic prosperity of the State.
With the theme; “In Support of Our Shared Prosperity”, the Fair taking place between November 15 and 26, 2024, will showcase locally made products, especially those in the agro-allied and other agriculture-related sectors.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Dr Mrs Abigail Duke Orok said towards hosting a successful and hitch-free Trade Fair, the government has already put in place a Steering Committee to drive the process.
Briefing the media on government’s preparedness to make the Trade Fair a huge success, the Cross River Commissioner for Commerce, Dr (Mrs) Abigail Duke Orok said it presents an exciting opportunity to attract investors and tourists to the state.
She explained that the programme is put together to provide markets for new products as well as create access to new markets, adding; “It would develop new business relationship both within and outside Nigeria” while further serving as a multi-sector trade promotion instrument.
Mrs Duke said the Fair, slated for the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, will also provide the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration an ample and first hand opportunity to interact with investors on areas of robust partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
According to her; “We have so many industries and factories that have been scheduled for concession and the Trade Fair would provide an exquisite opportunity for investors to assess the industries”.
The Commissioner, who noted that Trade Fairs are principally private-sector driven, said because the business climate has witnessed a lull for a long while, the State government decided to step in and change the narrative.
She said as Chairman of the Trade Fair Steering Committee, a worthwhile and robust partnership with the media is her desire to ensure the Fair attracts international attention and achieve the set objectives of Governor Otu-led administration.
Mrs Duke said the Fair, which will be a complimentary activity for the annual Calabar Christmas Festival, is packaged in partnership with the Calabar and Ikom Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture as well as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
The Steering Committee Chairman is also upbeat that aside from assuaging the yearnings of some participants, the Trade Fair would further promote leisure, business, and tourism to advance the State’s economic frontiers
