All is set for the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) to build a world class business hub, the Africa Quality Assurance Centre in Imo State having been presented with a Certificate of Occupancy by the Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.
Presenting the land document to the bank’s President, Prof Benedict Oramah, at the Government House, Owerri, Chief Ihedioha assured the bank the state presently had a responsible leadership that was conscious of the demands of the time.
He said that Imo State was home to businesses and possibilities and was open to partnering prospective investors for the growth of the state.
Shortly after the presentation, the governor alongside other top government functionaries led officials of the AfreximBank to the site where the centre would be built at the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
According to the Governor, “The centre would provide certification and inspection services for various export products.
“The centre which is the first of its kind in the entire South-East and South-South regions is an indication of responses of our investment drive geared towards rebuilding Imo State.
“This is a significant leap in our efforts to advance our state and make it a huge business hub and more importantly provide employment opportunities and boost economic development for the state.
“The centre is a reflection of the efforts of this administration to restore confidence of investors and development partners in Imo State as an investment destination.”
While calling for the commencement of work at the site, the governor expressed the willingness of his administration to partner them in development of tourism potential, entertainment village, industrial park, dry port, and the reinvigoration of Concord Hotel, among others.
Continuing, he added that “We are in a hurry to maximise our potential as the state with the highest literacy rate in the country.
“Our government is ready and willing to provide the human capacity for any business and indeed we shall provide necessary support for the business to thrive.”
Responding, Prof Oramah stated that they were in the country to support governments that promote development, insisting that the choice of Imo for the centre was necessitated by the demonstration of vision and passion for development as exemplified by the Imo State governor since assuming office.
Business Hilights South East Bureau Chief recall that Governor Ihedioha had embarked on a trade and investment working visit to the annual general meeting of the Afrexim Bank held in Moscow from June 20th- 22nd 2019 and what has happened can be interpreted as part of the results of the visit.
