The Abia State Government said it has concluded plans to organise an “Abia Business Roundtable” with the organised private sector to exchange ideas on how to bolster the economy of the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure in Umuahia, said the business roundtable, first of its kind in the state, will be held on March 5.
The business roundtable, which will be presided over by Governor Alex Otti, according to Kanu, would provide a platform for the government to exchange ideas with members of the business community. He further disclosed that issues germane to the promotion of businesses in Abia State, and investment potential that would attract people to the state would all be discussed at the business meeting. “The business roundtable will provide a platform for government and requisite MDAs to exchange ideas with members of the business community. They are being drawn from all over the country. During the roundtable, both parties will discuss issues of common interest. It will provide the opportunity for them to tell us what they need, and what the government has in place for the business community.”
Kanu revealed that the event will be a very fertile ground for exchange of ideas that will help accelerate the economic growth of the state.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Abia State Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotions (PPP & IP ) Office, Mr Chinedum Chijioke, said the Abia Business Roundtable will create a platform for the business community and government to collaborate and address issues of common interest.
“As you may be aware, across the globe, in developing economies or in developed economies, or in economies that are doing well, the private sector drives the economy. What the government does is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to be able to drive the economy,”
Chijioke stated there was an urgent need for the government to have a platform where it engages the business community to exchange ideas and address challenges. He said when this is done, the government would have provided the business community a platform to be part of shaping government policies as it relates to the business environment and the business climate. Chijioke urged all employers of labour, who are driving the economy of Abia, to be part of the business roundtable.
