The Ekiti State Government has entered into a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Working Committee for Overseas Cooperation (CASME-WCOC) as well as the Belt and Road Africa Economic Promotion Initiative Centre (BRAEPIC) in its quest to attract significant investments across various sectors to the State
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji described the partnership as a milestone for the State, adding that CASME, comprising over 20,000 member companies, would facilitate critical infrastructure development, including agricultural parks, new energy power facilities and smart parks.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, highlighted that specific projects under the agreement include the overall planning and construction of agricultural parks and energy facilities by Sinomec-He Chengdu Heavy Machinery Co. Ltd (CDHMC), smart park development by the IT Electronics Eleventh Design & Research Institute Scientific and Technological Engineering Corporation Limited (EDRI), and civil aviation aircraft production and services by Aloong Aircraft (Jingmen) Company Limited (ALAC).
“This partnership is set to enhance Ekiti State’s economy and provide job opportunities for our youths,” he stated.
In her remarks at the event,the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that the Chinese partners were committed to sourcing investors who will bring their own resources to the projects.
“This is their second visit to Ekiti. They first came in July, assessed our infrastructural and investment need and have since identified companies interested in investing here,” she explained.
Also speaking,the Chairman of BRAEPIC, Prince Innocent Okonkwo noted that the initiative serves as an economic bridge between China and Nigeria and promised to attract more investors to Ekiti, adding that the delegation included companies from the information technology, air transportation and mining sectors.
Prince Okonkwo further revealed that the companies plan to establish an aircraft maintenance and manufacturing facilities in Ekiti International Cargo Airport, leverage the agro-processing zone for agricultural development and create a logistics hub due to Ekiti’s strategic location between Lagos and Abuja.
Highpoint of the event was the signing of the tripartite agreement by the Secretary to the Ekiti Government, Dr Adubiaro ; the Chairman of BRAEPIC, Prince Innocent Okonkwo and a representative of the Chinese groups
He stated that Ekiti State offers a conducive environment and favourable conditions for investment, positioning it as an attractive destination for global investors.
Present at the event were the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Dayo Apata (SAN), Commissioner for Budget, Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Adebimpe Aderiye, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Agric, Mr. Ebenezer Aboluwade, Executive Secretary-General Mr. Leo He, representative of ALAC, Mr. Liang Abraham, representative of EDRI, Mr. Zhou Rin, amongst others.
Last modified: October 12, 2024
