By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has met with some investors and charged them to plow their resources in the tourism, economic, and other sectors in the State.
Governor Otu gave the charge during a two-day International Cooperation and Investment Summit held in the Calabar International Conference Center, Calabar where he said there should be a paradigm shift to develop economic relations and boost economic growth in the State.
In his opening remark, the Governor said the event is a well-thought initiative to catalyze growth and development in the multiple sectors of the State.
“Cross River serving as home to the largest Free Trade Zone with a near zero crime rate and welcoming disposition of the citizenry has greatly enhanced the investment-friendly atmosphere of the State.
“The State has a comparative advantage over every other State in the area of agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, transport, and others which investors will find attractive.
“Amidst these benefits which the State enjoys for business to thrive, Cross River is enveloped in a tropical humid climate with a forest ecosystem that stabilizes the local pattern.”
He maintained that although Cross River has the largest forest reserve in the country, his administration intends to consolidate the status by increasing the existing forest reserves by 50 percent in the next few years.
Senator Otu implored investors to plow in their resources in the upgrading, running, and maintenance of the drill ranch, forest canopy walkway, and Obudu Ranch Resort through the public, private partnership arrangement.
In a keynote address on the topic: “Paradigm Shift: Developing a blue ocean strategy for an emerging Cross River State” delivered by Dr. Herbert Wigwe, Chief Executive Director, Access Holdings Plc, prayed the government to foster the culture of collaboration and partnership; encourage medical tourism, development of educational institutions among others.
Dr. Herbert Wigwe represented by Mr. Victor Eteku inferred that there is a need for the government to give investors a tranquil and enabling environment to invest.
The Special Adviser, International Cooperation and Investment, Victor Edet, said the event focuses on genuine existing opportunities and developing economic relations while addressing the ordeals that will impact economic growth.
He said the summit will also help broaden horizons, broker new cooperation, focus on high returns and long-term investments with the aim of unlocking valuable dividends that will address the fundamental challenges confronting development, and discuss investment trends and strategies that can be exploited to maximize the potential of every business.
The event had two-panel sessions on the topic: ‘Infrastructural development in emerging markets- accessing PPP financial for sustainable growth’ followed by ‘Destination Cross River: leveraging institutional cooperation’ with the keynote speakers: H. E CUI Jianchum – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of China, Walter K. Mulombo, and among others.
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