By Steve Oni, Ilorin
Necessary machinery has been put in place by the Kwara State Government to establish an export processing zone in the state in order to encourage the exportation of goods from the state and the neighboring states, while also enhancing the state’s internal generated revenue and boosting economic activities.
The state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin when he hosted Management of the Bank of Industry (BOI), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, MD/CEO, Mr Olukayode Pitan, said arrangement is on top gear to fast track the development of the free trade zone.
According to the governor, “the state government had made initial submissions through the Bank of Investment and hope to follow it up in areas where the state will be able to create Export Processing Zone through key anchor tenants which is already on ground”
The governor, who underscored the importance of the free trade zone, said the government would spare no effort to ensure that the plan becomes a reality, upbeat that the zone would generate more job opportunities for teaming youths across the state as a result of economic activities from the zone.
According to the governor, “the plan to have an Export Processing Zone in the state is part of government’s plan to turn around socio-economic activities of the state”.
The governor, who spoke about his government’s economy recovery strategy through support for Small Medium Enterprises, solicited for further support from the BoI for upcoming entrepreneurs in the state.
The MD/CEO of the Bank, Mr Olukayode Pitan who praised the government for its various supports for Small and Medium Enterprises in the state, said the Bank has more than N12billion facilities in the state.
Pitan explained that N9billion had been distributed to various companies in the state and promised to do more. The MD/CEO sought for further partnership with the state in boosting the state economy for sustainable growth and development.
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