The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has outlined key strategies for restoring the South East region to its historic status as one of the fastest-growing economic hubs globally.
Among these strategies, the royal father noted, is the need for businesses in the region to build partnerships with national and international institutions and development partners.
The revered traditional ruler made these remarks at the maiden South East Business and Investment Summit in Enugu city.
The summit, themed, “Remaking South East as an Economic Powerhouse,” brought together stakeholders to chart a sustainable economic course for the region.
Igwe Achebe explained that partnerships would provide businesses in the region with increased access to capital, innovative technology, expanded markets, and greater business opportunities.
He also spoke of the need for regional economic integration, advocating for collaboration among businesses in the South East and with neighboring zones to boost economic synergy.
The Obi further called for increased investment from national agencies like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council to strengthen their presence in the region.
The Executive Secretary of the South East Business and Investment Summit Group, Ifedi Okwenna, expressed optimism about the summit’s impact, disclosing that one of the expected outcomes is the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle to drive business promotion and investment across all sectors in the South East.
Expert and technical presentation including that from the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and several others were delivered during the business sessions.
Editor: Ken Eseni
