By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Anambra State Government and a delegation from the Peoples Republic of China have opened discussions that will lead to cooperation in strategic developmental areas of interests to advance relationship between them.
An eight man delegation from China had visited the state to explore investment opportunities and collaboration in key sectors under “Anambra-China Shenzhen Great Bay Cooperation”
Setting the tone for commencement of meeting at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, recalled that government had sought the possibility of China opening up production plants in the state.
While affirming the state government’s commitment to fostering lasting intercourse with China, he acknowledged that the footprint of the Chinese could be felt in almost everything.
He pointed out that China had contributed greatly to the successes recorded in the priority areas including agriculture, hence the need for an economic marriage for expansion and to add more value.
The Commissioner commended the relationship between China and Anambra State, expressing optimism that it would grow even better in the coming years.
Contributing, the State Commissioner For Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, highlighted abundant multi sectoral opportunities existing in the State for partnership to include power generation, airport concessioning, Orient Petroleum and petro chemical plant as well as food security, poultry and egg project.
He also identified development of industrial parks and Solution Innovation District as one of the existing areas of support and collaboration.
A member of the delegation, Wang Bo, said the meeting was vital to building a stronger relationship with the state for a shared future especially in areas of real estate, construction, design, industrial and solar plants.
He added that they would work out synergy to advance relationship in ensuring projects design and feasibility reports, resource integration capability as well as project financing.
Some of the facilitators of the visit including Destiny Osili and Jude Okwudiba of the Earth Wheel Works, said the State and China had witnessed substantial progress in mutually beneficial cooperation as China had become one of the State’s top trading partners.
They said the decision by the Chinese delegation to visit the state was a reflection of the importance which China attached to her relationship with the state.
Some of the Commissioners and dignitaries on the state delegation included,Bar Tony Ifeanya, Commissioner for Petroleum, Dom Onyenji, Commissioner for Culture and Entertainment, Special Adviser on Security, Rtd Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi, Managing Director, Housing Corporation, Chike Anyaonu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,Mrs Ifeyinwa Uzoka among Others.
Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
