TRADE FAIR, IMPORTANT PILLAR FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, REGIONAL INTEGRATION …Says Perm Sec Ministry of Trade …Nigeria Gas Company emerges winner Overall, as PAN also bags Award

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ZAINAB TANIMU
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TRADE FAIR, IMPORTANT PILLAR FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, REGIONAL INTEGRATION …Says Perm Sec Ministry of Trade
…Nigeria Gas Company emerges winner Overall, as PAN also bags Award
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest, Nigeria
Trade Fair has been described as an important pillar for socio-economic development and regional integration.
The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Mrs Evelyn Ngige, stated this during the closing  ceremony of the 43rd edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair.
In her keynote address delivered by the Director, Domestic Trade, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, “Kaduna International Trade fair remains a veritable platform for promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products.
While appreciating KADCCIMA’s commitments in the realization of the administration’s objective of sustainable and inclusive growth of its economy, she said the contributions of KADCCIMA to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy is tremendous. The Federal Government she added is committed to working with KADCCIMA to achieve it set goals.
Mrs Ngige described the theme of the fair: “Re-Strategising Nigeria’s Economy For Global Competitiveness” as apt. Such will help to empower African entrepreneurs, through bridging technological gaps, developing and improving local business strategies, championing strategic investments and creating more access to markets. She said.
“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 noted that an important role of government is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
“Government is determined and remained focused in resolving the challenges facing the business environment.
The ministry she stated was already working with the state in these areas.
“I 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”.
According to her, relevant agencies across the government were already implementing various initiatives and policies to address key areas of concern.
“Such areas as the need for modern infrastructure, 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, as well as focus on provision of power supply and good road network across the country.
The president, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, in his speech reiterated the chamber’s commitment to partner with the business community for better growth and development.
According to him, the last ten days of the fair witnessed over 30 special guests comprising state Governors’ representatives, ministers and various senior officials.
This he said was an indicator that a lot of investors would be coming over to invest in various aspect of businesses across the state.
While urging the state to look beyond domestic market, he called for the improvement in innovation and a knowledge-based economy.
“Nigeria should pay attention to where it has comparative advantage.” He said.
The Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-rufai, while declaring the trade fair closed, commended KADCCIMA for a successful outing.
Speaking through his representative,
Permanent secretary, Ministry of Business Innovations, Dr Haliru Soba, he said the state government is ready to partner investors willing to invest in the state.
Awards were presented to those who excel at the fair.
In their separate interviews, shortly after receiving their awards, The Nigeria Gas Company Ltd. NGC, (a subsidiary of the NNPC) and PAN Nigerian Company Ltd. both  appreciated KACCIMA for finding them worthy of the awards.
While the Nigerian Gas Company Limited was recognized as the overall winner of the 43rd Kaduna international Trade Fair
 PAN Nigerian Ltd. Chery Tiggo8, won the “Quality Product Award”.
The Deputy Manager Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Gas Company Ltd. Mrs  Uju Chukwuanu speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company, Ltd. (subsidiary of NNPC), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, said theirs was an honour well deserved.
“I am happy that they honoured our efforts because we worked for it. If you ever visited our stand, you will appreciate the overall winner that they gave us. We merited it.
Fielding questions from journalists, the Managing Director, PAN Nigeria, assemblers of Chery vehicles in Nigeria Ms Taiwo Oluleye said the trade fair has opened up  opportunities to reach out to customers.
“One of our new products, Tigo 8 has won an award today. Actually this trade fair has attracted a number of customers, prospective customers. There are representations all around the country, the acceptance range has been encouraging.
“This has demonstrated what Kaduna has to offer to recovery and has also provided for PAN Nigeria to showcase its products especially our new range of products the Chery vehicles. We have them in ranges.
PAN Nigeria with 50years tradition is  subjected to vigorous production tests. This cars you see on the stand have gone fifty thousand kilometers and they are very solid. She stated.
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