The Akwa Ibom State government says it will soon roll out a comprehensive investment roadmap to attract local and foreign investors across agriculture, tourism, aviation, manufacturing, ICT, and other sectors.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (retd.), disclosed this in Uyo during his maiden media briefing themed "Unlocking Opportunities: The Role of Trade and Investment in the Arise Agenda."
Ekong said the roadmap will prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by easing access to finance, training, and markets across all local government areas. He noted that regulatory frameworks would also be reviewed to improve the ease of doing business in the state.
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The commissioner added that the state will scale up efforts to boost non-oil exports, facilitate trade fairs and exhibitions, and open up Akwa Ibom products to regional and international markets.
Under Governor Umo Eno's Arise Agenda, Akwa Ibom is diversifying beyond oil with strategic investments in agro-allied industries, aviation-led development through Ibom Air, and rural industrialization initiatives such as agro-processing hubs.
Ekong urged the media to partner with government in showcasing these opportunities to the business community.