Kaduna Trade Fair platform for promoting SMEs — Perm. Sec.
The Kaduna International Trade Fair has been described as a veritable platform for promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products.
In her keynote address at the closing ceremony of the 43rd edition of theTrade Fair, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Evelyn Ngige, described the contributions of KADCCIMA to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy as tremendous and well appreciated.
Mrs Ngige, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, Director, Domestic Trade, expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with KADCCIMA to achieve the administration’s objective of sustainable and inclusive growth of our economy.
According to her, the theme of the fair, “Re-Strategising Nigeria’s Economy For Global Competitiveness” was apt and meant to empower African entrepreneurs, through bridging technological gaps, developing and improving local business strategies, championing strategic investments and creating more access to markets.
She noted that this could be achieved by unlocking Nigeria’s economy for global competitiveness through regional integration, given our status as by far one of the largest markets in Africa.
Ngige also noted that the fair was a veritable platform for promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products, an important pillar of Nigeria’s socio-economic development and regional integration at large.
“It is also important to mention that one of most important roles of government is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
While noting that government was determined and remained focused in resolving the challenges facing the business environment, relevant agencies across the Government were already implementing various initiatives and policies to address key areas of concern.
“Such as the need for modern infrastructure, power supply and good road network across the country, Improving the patronage of locally made goods, bridging the gaps in industrial skills and innovation, ease of doing business, reducing costs and access to finance for SMEs
“I also wish to assure the Kaduna state government of the readiness of the Ministry to collaborate with them in all areas within the core mandate of Ministry’s responsibility in terms of trade promotion and facilitation, Investment Facilitation, Industrial and enterprises development,” she said.
She noted that the ministry was already working with the State in these areas.
In his address, the president, Kaduna Chamber of commerce, industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, reiterated the chamber’s commitment to partner with the business community for better growth and development
The President said in the last ten days of the fair they had received over 30 special guests comprising state Governors’ representatives, ministers and various senior officials.
According to him, this was an indicator that a lot of investors would be coming over to invest in various aspect of businesses across the state.
While calling for the improvement in innovation and a knowledge-based economy, he insisted that the country should also look beyond its domestic market.
Gov. of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai, while declaring the trade fair closed, congratulated KADCCIMA for the successful conduct of the 43 Kaduna international Trade Fair.
The Governor was represented at the event by Dr. Haliru Soba, Permanent secretary in the ministry of business Innovations.
He further extended a hand of partnership to all investors willing to invest, pledging the government’s commitment to partner and work with all.
