Cross River Deputy Attends 3rd Conference On Intra-African Trade Fair, Strengthens Economic Ties

By Charity Ohotu

Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Honorable Peter Odey has attended the 3rd Conference of the African Sub-Sovereign Government Network which is geared towards strengthening economic ties.

Held at the Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, Egypt, and organized by the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, Honorable Odey who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the event’s third edition and a pivotal platform for fostering economic collaboration and trade within the African continent had the theme “Building Bridges for a Successful AfCFTA”.

The conference aims to create a single market for billions of people across Africa and to align with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event hosted by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union and AfCFTA Secretariat, has drawn heads of state, senior government officials, and influential players from various sectors.

The African Development Bank, actively involved in the IATF Advisory Council, is playing a leading role in sponsorship, demonstrating its commitment to AfCFTA implementation and regional integration.

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During the visit, Hon. Odey engaged in discussions with Mr. Gagan Gupta, the CEO of ARISE, one of the companies that participated in the International Cooperation and Investment Summit held in Calabar, Cross River State, in September 2023. The company has investments in various sectors including transportation, energy, and gas in Gabon, Benin, Togo, Kenya, and Nigeria.

The Deputy Governor’s presence at the conference underscores Cross River State’s dedication to leveraging international platforms to strengthen economic ties and attract foreign investments.

The IATF 2023, is focused on agri-agribusiness, health, environment, climate development, and infrastructure including renewable energy, and aligns seamlessly with the developmental goals of Cross River State.

The engagement is anticipated to result in fruitful partnerships and collaborations, fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and development.

With $43 billion worth of trade and investment deals expected to close during the fair, the Deputy Governor’s participation symbolizes the commitment of Cross River State to actively contribute to the success of AfCFTA and the broader economic transformation of the African continent.

The critical discussions between the Cross River Government and key stakeholders promise to open new avenues for economic cooperation, presenting the State as a strategic partner for international investors and businesses looking to capitalize on the vast opportunities within the African markets.

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