Abia seeks industrial development partnership with U.S.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu on Monday said that the government was willing to collaborate with the U.S. Government to facilitate the development of the state’s economic sector.

Ikpeazu said this when the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, paid him a visit at Government House, Umuahia.

“Small-scale manufacturing is one of our strong points and we have secured the development of a facility where industrial activities will be carried out.

“We are looking for not less than 500 companies to take advantage of the investment opportunities which the state has to offer.”

He said that the industrial clusters created by the government were backed by law, to ensure that the project outlived the present administration as a measure to secure investments.

Ikpeazu expressed the hope that the establishment of commercial ties between Abia and the U.S. government would go a long way to boost industrial development in the state.

Earlier, the American Ambassador said that the U.S government had interest in the success of Nigeria and its citizens.

Symington further noted that ties between Nigeria and the U.S. was strong, citing relationships between citizens of both countries.

“I still have a lot to learn about your state and understand your vision and most importantly how to push that vision forward, especially how to create opportunities for people to live a better life and care for their families,” he added.