The Ekiti State government has signed an agreement with the China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Working Committee for Overseas Cooperation (CASME-WCOC) to drive investment in agriculture, innovation and technology, energy, and other sectors of the economy.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, which also involved the Belt and Road Africa Economic Promotion Initiative Centre (BRAEPIC), the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habitat Adubiaro, stated that the partnership with CASME, which comprises over 20,000 member companies, would facilitate critical infrastructure development, including agricultural parks, new energy power facilities, and smart parks.
He 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).
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“This partnership is set to enhance Ekiti State’s economy and provide job opportunities for our youth,” he stated.
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 would bring their own resources to the projects.
According to her, “This is their second visit to Ekiti. They first came in July, assessed our infrastructural and investment needs, and have since identified companies interested in investing here.”
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.
He added that the delegation included companies from the information technology, air transportation, and mining sectors.
Okonkwo revealed that the companies plan to establish aircraft maintenance and manufacturing facilities at 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.
He stated that Ekiti State offers a conducive environment and favorable conditions for investment, positioning it as an attractive destination for global investors.
