US Trade Mission: Lagos Seeks Greater Partnership
By Shaka Momodu
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro, has called on "blacks in Diaspora" to show greater commitment to the development of the economy of African nations through serious and consistent investment.
Pedro, who spoke at the opening of the interaction of the African World Expo Trade Mission from the United States to Lagos State, declared that the state government is committed to providing an enabling environment for such investment.
He noted that various reports and informations sourced from the internet are not wholly representative attitude and character of Nigerians, the deputy governor added that there are decent and trustworthy Nigerians who can be linked through the state.
He said the trade mission from Detroit city has a unique opportunity of tapping into the vast array of opportunities available within Lagos State, adding that with greater commitment to a Sister - City relationship both have a unique opportunity to kick-start a mutually beneficial revolution.
He stated that past effort have not led to the desired result since Africa has not significantly benefited from the genetic link that blacks all over the world share.
Speaking earlier the leader of the trade delegation, Mrs. Carolyn Kilpatrick, said the delegation is committed to investing in the state's economy, noting that the exposure of being trained in the United States has conferred on the group a challenge to contribute.
She stated that Detroit has the cleanest water was and water system in the world and is committed to sharing the technology with Lagos State to ensure that the economy takes off successfully.
Also in his opening remark the President of the Nigeria - American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olusola Dada, noted that of the Direct Investment Inflow of $674 million (N92.9 billion) that came into Nigeria within 2003 involving 224 companies a great percentage was to Lagos State.
While also praising the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for giving a Textile Visa to export to US, Dada observed that "the act has proved that trade and investments are necessary complements to foreign aid and fostering development and self-sufficiency."
Dada commended the Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its commitment to providing an enabling environment for private sector to thrive.
He urged the trade delegation to provide copious manifestation of the visit through massive investment in the state's economy.
Highlights of the two-day interaction include the presentation of a paper on the investment opportunities in Lagos State declared by Mr. Jide Sanwoolu, the Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor on Corporate Matters and a private sector perspective by Otunba Kunle Folarin.
The other sessions held on August 28 featured discussions on Sister-City relationship development and support for the growth of SME'S in Lagos State and "Viability of Free Trade Zone and the Private Ports operations in Lagos State."
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