ODSG FEATURES IN RUSSIA EXPORT FORUM AIMED AT ECONOMIC UPSWING
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ODSG FEATURES IN RUSSIA EXPORT FORUM AIMED AT ECONOMIC UPSWING
The Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON has reiterated that investment is an essential part of modern life and with the right opportunities, investors can create a more financially stable future.
The Governor, made this assertion through his representative Prince Boye Ologbese, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, at the first Export-Day Forum, organized by Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Europe, held at Moscow export centre, Russia.
Giving his presentation,Arakunrin Akeredolu explained that the forum was a platform for Ondo State to present herself to the Russian business society and communicate with potential partners cum investors of the State during which Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) arrangements could be made.
According to him, the forum which was attended by African business leaders and experts in foreign economic activities was a one-stop-shop for exporters, providing financial and non-financial support for businesses to enter foreign markets, which would accelerate unprecedented urban development on the long run.
He added that it was a medium for the Russian society to share experiences, dialogue, and brainstorm upon best practices regarding open government initiatives and explore business implementation between Russia and African countries, even as it affects Ondo State, particularly in industrial growth and diversification, digressing from Crudeoil.
The Governor emphasized that he believes Africa is an untapped market in the world with various opportunities and Russia has a lot to gain from the partnership forum, especially in Nigeria which hosts the largest market on the African continent.
Still Speaking Akeredolu disclosed that there are many promising areas of co-operation between Russia and Ondo State, adding that with all resources which are readily available, the State is highly committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive without impediment.
Arakunrin Akeredolu pointed out that Ondo State was ranked Number eight (8) and the only SouthWest State that made top 10 in Nigeria. An achievement he said was made possible due to adequate security of lives and property, infrastructure, skilled and available workforce, reliable legal framework and considerate investment policies by the State Government.
In light of investment and business opportunities necessary to promote networking and co-operation between the Russian community and Ondo State, the Governor spoke on key areas that epitomized the totality of what the State has to offer prospective global investors.
“As a State in Nigeria, we have achieved so much for ourselves and we make bold to say that we are better coordinated at this point. It would not be business as usual anymore” he said
In the area of food, Akeredolu mentioned that the State is predominantly agrarian. “As the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria there are vast opportunities for production and processing; Oil palm and palm kernel, cassava, yams, rice, maize, cocoyam, sugarcane,fish, crayfish and other exotic seafood are available”
“Ondo State recently got her approval for the licence to operate the Deep Seaport. Investors are welcome to support in the construction of the Port, offshore logistics and coastal road development which is intended to be funded through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Also, It has the potential to become the maritime hub in West Africa due to its long coastline of 180km with natural depths of 14m-18m”
Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the Russian advancement in technology, saying that it could be of great transformation to the States’ Agricultural sector by making it more efficient, productive and resilient.
“Another area is in Oil and Gas equipment and equipment for geo-exploration. It calls for industries that have the required tools and technologies used for oil and gas exploration to make themselves available to provide essential services”
The Governor hinted that farming is one of the major occupations of the people of the State and he believes that the use of technology in form of organic and mechanized agriculture could have a significant impact on food security.
“Finally, the construction of a Diaspora estate with top-notch facilities is intended to be fostered through Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI), necessary to play hospitality to foreign investors and diaspora who may choose to come for vacation”.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated NIDO Russia Chapter, for the collaboration with Ondo State Government towards connecting the diaspora for the development of their home country and Africa at large.
The State helsman pointed out that investors are already showing interest towards the State. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield positive results.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman NIDO Russia and Member of the Board NIDO Europe, Sampson Uwem-Edimo noted that the Russian Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) were delighted to establish a platform whereby diaspora investors can interact with potential sponsors, partners and government to consolidate and build momentum on workable partnerships.
Uwem-Edimo assured that the knowledge ganered would be thoroughly evaluated for the most effective win-win situation, feasible for implementation.
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