Abia experts in Singapore to design state-of-the-earth Free Trade Zone on 9,000-hectare
Barring any last minute hitch, all is set for Abia State Governor; Chief Okezie Ikpeazu to establish a 9,000- hectare free trade zone along the state’s boundary with Rivers State.
The Governor opened up on this during the visit of the executives of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), lead by its president, Chief Olabitan Famutimi, in his guest house in Aba.
Ikpeazu who argued that free trade zone was necessary to facilitate export of goods from the state, revealed that “Abia State delegation to Singapore has left the shores of Nigeria to come back with the final design of our free trade zone”.
“The free trade zone will occupy 9,000 hectare of land which has already been acquired in a location between Abia and Port Harcourt in Rivers.
“The idea is to ensure unification of the economies of Abia and Rivers in the next 10 years,” he said.
Ikpeazu also hinted that Abia State government is closing in on getting American endorsement for its products to facilitate their entry into the world market, saying “Endorsement by America that what we do in Abia State is good for its market is what we need to reach the world, and I hope to see this happen in our time”.
In his remarks, Chief Famutimi said his team was in the state to help to promote its products and averred that African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) had signed an MoU with the chamber to represent it in West Africa.
According to him, through NACC and AGOA, the state would be given required business opportunities from America.
