By Linus Obogo
In today’s globalized world, strategic partnerships play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation. The ability to leverage global connections and expertise has become essential not only for nations, but also for sub-nationals looking to attract investments and create sustainable opportunities for shared prosperity. One such example of a state harnessing the power of strategic partnerships is Cross River State, under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Governor Bassey Otu.
As part of effort at driving investment into the state, Senator Bassey Otu, recently launched out by bringing the diplomatic community together during his maiden Cross River Executive Governor’s Roundtable with diplomats.
The Executive Roundtable which held at the Transcop Hotels, Abuja, with the theme: Building Cooperation for a better today and Resilient Future”, had in attendance the Canadian High Commissioner, James Christoff; Belgian Ambassador, Peter Leenknegt; French Deputy Head of Mission, Jean-Francois Hasperue; Indian High Commissioner, G. Balasubramanian; Israeli Ambassador, Michael Freeman; Norwegian Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, Kristin Waeringsaase aa wwll as development partners’ representatives.
The roundtable discussions which focused on identifying opportunities for investment, sharing best practices, also sought to explore innovative solutions to common challenges.
The event, aimed at putting the people first in the forefront of the state’s development agenda, was the first in a series of planned engagements targeted at building a strong collaboration with the diplomatic community and development partners towards a long-term simbiotic partnership. Undoubtedly, it underscores Governor Otu’s visionary and transformational leadership.
With the growing interconnectedness of the world economies, occasioned by globalisation, leading to increased wealth creation, opportunities and fluidity in investment and cooperation funds, Otu reckons, Cross River cannot but take advantage of the global liquidity corridors.
As baits, are opportunities in the state’s vast resources in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, oil and gas, as well as the hospitability sector, where investors can leverage on for investment.
In just a year in the saddle, and with a mindset to reposition the state as well as recalibrate its economy, Governor Otu has steadily and deftly piloted the state to reclaim its lost spot as a destination for ease of doing business.
Having achieved this feat, it was therefore necessary to rivet global and corporate attention to how the state’s economic landscape has been reshaped for investments to come tumbling in. This was exactly the crux of the April 18 Cross River State Executive Governor’s Roundtable.
The prospect of the partnership between the diplomatic community and the Cross River State government, no doubt, holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable opportunities for shared prosperity.
Governor Otu’s commitment to leveraging global interconnectivity and strategic partnerships amid shrinking local opportunities cannot be over-emphasised.
Endowed with abundant natural resources, a strategic location, and a conducive business environment, Cross River, indeed, holds tantalising prospects as an attractive destination for tourism and business operations.
With the state’s commitment to economic and social development, coupled with its promising economy, Cross River has positioned itself as a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape. With a focus on sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and the blue economy, Cross River State has the potential to drive sustainable growth and create opportunities for its citizens.
Governor Otu’s vision for partnership and collaboration with the diplomatic community is clearly rooted in the belief that leveraging global connections and expertise can accelerate economic growth and attract investments to the state.
Instructively, the governor’s reassurance to the diplomatic community during the Executive Roundtable highlights the state government’s determination to capitalize on its advantages and strengthen partnerships for mutual benefit.
By seeking to foster collaboration and exploring new avenues for investment, Cross River State aims to unlock its economic potential and drive sustainable development in key sectors of its economy.
As a commitment, the Israeli Ambassador, Michael Freeman, one of the about ten diplomats at the roundtable, expressed his country’s keen interest in collaborating with Cross River State in areas such as the blue economy and agriculture. Ambassador Freeman highlighted specific areas of focus, including rice, cassava, cocoa, and the development of resistant seedlings tailored to the region’s climate and soil conditions.
The partnership between Israel and Cross River State, when berthed, aims to drive innovation, enhance agricultural productivity, and create sustainable economic opportunities for both parties. By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, the collaboration has the potential to yield significant benefits for economic development in the state.
The Governor’s Executive Roundtable was Governor Otu’s smart thinking, and a strategic platform for fostering dialogue, building relationships, and exploring new avenues for collaboration between the government and the diplomatic community.
Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, Cross River State is poised to harness its economic potential and drive sustainable growth in key sectors.
By bringing together key stakeholders from the government and the diplomatic community, the roundtable created a conducive environment for collaboration and partnership.
And as the state positions itself as a hub for investment and development, the partnership with the diplomatic community could not have come at a better time, as the outcome of this strategic engagement will play a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering shared prosperity.
By collaborating towards common goals, and leveraging each other’s strengths, Cross River State and its diplomatic partners can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and foster economic growth in key sectors.
The strategic partnership between Cross River State and the diplomatic community holds immense potential for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable opportunities for shared prosperity. Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for collaboration and partnership underscores the state government’s commitment to leveraging global connections and expertise to accelerate development.
No nation, no matter how strong can be an island unto itself. So, Cross River State, a sub-national, therefore can ill afford the luxury of insouciance and isolate itself from playing in the global economic arena.
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