• Woos foreign investors, research institutions for innovations
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to enunciate policies and programmes that would further strengthen the industry, trade and investment sector in order to address the nation’s economic challenges.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this promise at the opening ceremony of the 15th meeting of the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment in Katsina.
With the theme, ‘Digitisation of Industry, Trade and Investment sector for National Development’, the five-day meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on key issues in the sector and evolve strategies towards strengthening its performance.
Represented by Dr. Evelyn Ngige, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Uzoka-Anite, said no country can experience true and sustainable growth of its economy without developing its industry, trade and investment sector.
The minister said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‐led Federal Government was committed to sweeping reforms in the critical sectors of the nation’s economy to stimulate economic recovery, growth and development.
She explained that the government sought to collaborate and partner with business, research institutions and foreign investors to promote innovation in Industry, trade and investment to boost economic growth.
This, she said, would lead to the growth of industries and the development of joint ventures with both domestic and foreign firms which are capable of spurring and facilitating knowledge and technology.
She therefore urged participants of the meeting to put their best foot forward in evolving ways and means to address the current economic challenges bedevilling the country.
Uzoka-Anite also admonished them to focus more on candid discussions and recommendations that will evolve into strategies, best practices and collaborative approaches that will propel the nation towards a more prosperous future.
According to her, the strengthening and rebirth of the industry, trade and investment sector was the key and sure answer to the current economic crisis in the country.
She said: “I consider this year’s theme very appropriate at this time when we are working with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, to harness the potential of the industry, trade and investment sector for growing the national economy and creating adequate jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths.”
In his remarks, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, described improved industry, trade and investment as the lifeblood to economic and national development.
Alluding to this, the governor said his administration had established the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency to revamp and enhance Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
He added that the state government also inaugurated an ease of doing business committee to further assist in providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
THISDAY
