Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo on Wednesday, launched a strategic Master Plan to boost micro-businesses, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of Industrialising the state.
The blueprint, targeting the promotion of economic growth is in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and initiated by the office of Chief Economic Adviser to the governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi
Unveiling the policy document at Sam Mbakwe Exco Chamber, Government House Owerri, Uzodimma said the ultimate aim was to place the state on the path of long and enduring economic renaissance.
Uzodinma said the industrial policy was carefully articulated to offer fresh, pragmatic and actionable insights of the quest for the industrialisation of the state.
“This industrial policy is a long-term sustainable initiative which will outlive this administration.
“Part of what the Imo industrial policy is set out to achieve is to identify all the economic potentials, take advantage of where we have comparative advantages and clearly outline how government can help the harnessing of the potentials,” he said.
The governor explained that the road infrastructure, creation of ministry of digital economy and dredging of the Orashi River to link up the Atlantic Ocean were projects aimed at Industrialisation.
“The launch of the Imo industrial policy is not just an initiative to drive the economy but a plan that will guarantee the future of our youths, prolong lives and also assure prosperity,” he said.
The governor also said the initiative was to accelerate job creation, especially for the army of unemployed youths.
Uzodinma said his administration was willing to partner the private sector through public-private partnership.
He urged investors to take advantage of the robust friendly investment climate in the state to invest in different sectors of the economy.
“Invest in the digital economy, agro industry, tourism, oil and gas, mining, fabrication, and allied industries,” the governor appealed.
In his remarks, the Regional Director of UNIDO, Mr Jean Bakole, said his organisation was committed to providing service advisory and support to develop industrial policy.
“The industrial policy is a roadmap which will help the state see exactly where you are, which kind of activity you will like to undertake, and show clearly what next to do.
“The policy also aims to reduce cost of doing business, promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities, quality job creation, massive local and foreign investments, and trade surplus,” he added.
Bakole assured the governor that UNIDO would sustain its support for all activities of the policy and as well use its network to attract support and investments.
The chief economic adviser to the governor who presented an overview of the policy, said it was focused on clear philosophy based on the principles of relevance, pragmatism and sustainability.
“We had wide consultations where we discovered that the state economy is based on micro-businesses as well as SMEs.
“We need to protect them and design a kind of policy that will help them grow to be part of the global chain,” he said.
Amaeshi said agro-industry/agribusiness, oil and gas, minerals processing, tourism/hospitality, digital economy, fabrication, and renewable energy remained the emerging key industrialisation opportunities in the state.
“We think that these sectors will help us solve the fundamental problems of job creation, wealth and shared prosperity which is at the heart of this government,” he added.
Amaeshi commended the governor for showing political will that resulted in the policy.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Imo state Investment Promotion Agency, Dr Jude Nzeako said the policy would enable the governor to intervene and direct investment to areas with comparative advantages.
He said this would enhance treasury management, tax systems, security and as well stimulate interest in the local government system.
