‘Encourage SMEs To Boost Economy’

Founder of Ohaneze Ndi-
igbo, a socio-cultural organisation in South Africa, Chief Jonas Udeji, called on South-East governments to encourage small and medium enterprises to boost economic activities.
Udeji told newsmen in Johannesburg, South Africa, that the outcomes of the various economic summits held by south-east governments should be implemented.
“South East governments have held series of economic summits. It has become important to implement these policies.
“One way of achieving this is to encourage medium and small enterprises to boost commerce and economic activities in the area,’’ he said.
Udeji also urged governors in the zone to revive industries in Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi to create jobs and encourage manufacturing.
According to him, investors from other parts of Africa come to Aba to buy textile materials and shoes in the past.
“The summits should aim at reviving these sectors; encourage spare parts production in Nnewi and in other parts of the zone.
“Some SME`s are now moving out of the south-east due to poor power supply and lack of encouragement. It is necessary to encourage them and attract other investors to boost local economies of the zone,” he said.
Udeji said that efforts should be made to increase more cargo flights to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
He said that the move would encourage the business community to patronise the airport, save cost, generate revenue for government and create jobs.