Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS has said that his administration is committed to returning the state as the economic hub of Nigeria.
He gave the assurance while declaring open the 2023 and 17th edition of Port Harcourt International Trade Fair and Exhibition holding in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Gov. Fubara maintained that his administration has since given approval for the registration and collation of SMEs database in Rivers State with the view to encourage mass production of goods and services in the state.
While commending the leadership of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry in promoting the activities of the government through the Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, he promised his administrations support to improve on the next year Trade Fair event.
In his address, the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume who was represented by Mrs. Uche Nwodika expressed satisfaction that the event is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Amed Tinubu’s led Administration towards the exhibition of made in Nigeria products and promotion of SMEs growth.
The SGF maintained that in order to reposition Nigeria Economic Development, SMEs growth, innovations, exhibition, bridge significant gap as well, create an enabling environment, job creation and ease of doing business hence the trade fair remains a place where people come together to create neutral environment for both the Big, Medium and Small enterprises thrive to boost business trade and investment opportunities.
In his Goodwill massage, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Amb. Christophe Bazivamo explained that trade fair remains a catalyst for the survival of economic growth of any country, hence the need for government to give priority attention in promoting trade fairs and exhibitions.
He promised to facilitate collaboration with the Rivers State government and Republic Rwanda with the view to promoting bilateral business relationships.
Earlier in his address, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) Eze, Sir, Mike Elechi, NPOM, JP, FNIM, DSSRS expressed the hope that the theme of 17th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair and exhibition ” MSMEs/SMEs Growth; Wheel to an Entrepreneurial Economy” resonate deeply with the spirit of innovation and economic resilience, adding that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs/SMEs) are the backbone of any thriving economy as they represent the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled progress, job creation and sustainable development.
The PHCCIMA Boss maintained that this year’s trade fair serves as a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas, showcasing the dynamism inherent in the local businesses, saying that through such engagements, one can explore innovative solutions, strengthen partnership and drive economic transformations.
The opening ceremony of the 2023, 17th edition of the Port Harcourt International Trade Fairy and exhibition had heaps of goodwill massages from heads of federal government agencies, captains of industries including the Rivers State Commissioner of Police CP Olatunde Disu, representative of NACCMA President, among others as shown above
