Okowa Assures On Promoting Non-Oil Exports

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
of Delta State says his government is committed to diversifying and promoting the state’s non-oil exports in order to expand its revenue base.
Okowa spoke on Saturday, which was tagged “Delta Special Day’’ at the 11thAbuja International Trade Fair in the FCT.
The governor said his administration was keen to fast track growth in the state by giving necessary push to the development of commerce and industry.
He said that there were ample opportunities for foreign and local investors in Delta to develop agriculture and establish agro-based industries. According to him, special attention will be given to the private sector to establish viable industries in the state.
He said that other viable ventures waiting for development in the state included Aqua tourism, palm oil, cassava and Garri processing, as well as fishing. Okowa, represented by Mrs Mary Iyasere, Delta Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, said the state was endowed with abundance of mineral resources such as crude oil, clay silica, lignite, and kaolin among others.
He also said that Delta had high potential supply of raw materials and favourable climate to support the establishment of industries.
According to him, there is abundance of natural rubber, rich varieties of typical wood, yam, plantain, vegetables and maize predominantly grown in the state. Okowa said that the state had tax concession for investo rs that would want to invest there.
He explained that the state was ready to synergise with the private sector at local and international levels to establish more businesses in the state. The governor said the trade fair had afforded both international and local investors opportunity to share ideas and showcase their products/services.
Earlier, the President of Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr Tony Ejinkonye, said the fair was to promote and accelerate commerce and industry in Nigeria.  Ejinkonye said that the fair was also intended to revitalise and diversify the nation’s economy by promoting non- oil exports.  He explained that the trade fair had directed its attention to the role of private sector in the Nigerian economy, adding that it would provide access to resources and technology for investors.
Ejinkonye said that the trade fair would also attract foreign investment to Nigeria.
According to Ejinkonye, Delta has some historical, cultural and socio-political tourism centres with a population of 4.1 million people and Gross Domestic Product of 16.7million dollar. He listed Mungo Park House and Lander Brothers Anchorage as some of the historical centres in Delta.