From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Imo state, Governor Hope Uzodimma, has commended the AFREXIM bank for providing Home grown solution for Trade in Africa.
Uzodimma who stated this on Monday at the unveiling of the commencement of the African Quality Assurance centre project( AQAC) at Umuowa Community in Ngor Okpala council area, along the Sam Mbakwe international Cargo Airport, hailed the president of the Bank for their wisdom to act as a catalyst for providing home grown solution for trade in Africa.
“It is a wonderful initiative and the Nigerian National Development Plan is in support of this project. My administration is activating business opportunities to create jobs for our people and your decision to site this project in Imo will be justified.”
The governor while pledging the support of the government and people of Imo State to the project extolled the bank for once more including Imo in the global map saying “we will not take your bank for granted because for choosing Imo for this project is something we will forever cherish
Earlier, the President and Chairman Board of Dorectors, AFREXIM Bank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah has raised the alarm that non compliance with globally acceptable standard had become a formidable obstacle to access regional and international trade for Africa.
Enumenting the economic and political consequences of this on the African economy, Oramah said that the AFREXIM BANK had since taken up the challenge to break this barrier to improve the economic fortunes of Arican nations.
He expressed optimism that the project which was first commissioned in Ogun State in December 2022 and the second being constructed in Imo State would expand intra-African trade, adding that the AFREXIM BANK had commenced collaboration with some relevance institutions to harmonise standards and also influence industrial standards.
Represented by the Executive Vice President, intra-African Trade and Export Development, AFREXIM BANK, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Prof. Oramah said, “The EU is a major destination of our export and we are prepared to ensure that made in Arfica goods reach international standards.”
He explained that Imo was chosen for the second phase of the project because of it’s central location in both the South South and Southeast regions coupled with it’s agricultural potential which gives it a comparative advantage in both agricultural and industrial development.
He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his commitment to the project which he said was indicative of his preparedness to rebrand Imo as an industrial destination.
Also, Director, of Export Development, AFREXIM BANK, Oluranti Doherty assured that the bank was intent to allow Imo to take her pride of place as a major export zone.
She also commended Governor Uzodimma for his tenacity and support to realise the project.