Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i has urged the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) to expand the scope of the Trade Fair Complex beyond hosting annual event.
He stated this at the inauguration of the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair, on Saturday in Kaduna.
The theme of the trade fair is “Promoting Value Addition for Sustainable Growth and Development”.
Represented by Dr Yusuf Sale, the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Business Innovation and Technology, El-Rufa’i said the facility could be utilised to woo investors.
“The Trade Fair Complex is potentially attractive and can be put to minute by minute use if properly planned.
“I wish to call on KADCCIMA to continue to educate their members and our local investors to leverage on the collective services of the Chambers and the Nigerian Shippers Council.
“Also, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Kaduna Inland Dry Port in attaining smooth haulage of their goods devoid of cumbersome processes and risks,” he said.
He urged prospective investors to feel free to come and invest in the state.
While reiterating commitment to partner and support the KADCCIMA, El-Rufa’i lauded the chamber for organising the fair, to enable the state re-strategise the economy for global competitiveness.
Earlier, Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Otunba Adebayo said the theme of the fair was in tune with the Federal Government’s empowerment drive aimed at bridging technological gaps and develop local businesses.
The minister, who was represented by Audu Sulaiman, said that the fair provided platform for the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) while showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products.
He described KADCCIMA as “one of the vibrant chambers of commerce leveraging on its members and institutional support to build a reputation for excellence in commerce.
The minister noted that its partnership with government has transformed the industrial landscape of the city for the benefit of its members and the national economy.
“The effort of the chamber is admired and it is my hope that other chambers all over the country could emulate your progress stride,” he said.
Also, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Mahmud reiterated government’s commitment towards improving agriculture to create jobs and diversify the economy.
He said that government would continue to empower MSMEs, promote trade and investment to achieve economic sustainability and reduce dependency on foreign products.
