From Ameachi Prosper(The New Diplomat’s Delta & Edo States Correspondent)
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated the commitment of the Edo State Government to deepen business co-operation and investment ties between the state government and the Kingdom of Belgium.
Governor Obaseki made the submission when the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Daniel Bertrand and Head, Political and Economic Affairs at the Belgian Embassy, Stef Commers, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Benin City, the Edo state capital.
Obaseki assured of continued business reforms to attract investors from across the world, noting that the state’s policy trust has spurred expansion of existing businesses and incursion of new investors.
According to him, “Presco Plc, a Belgian-Nigerian company in the state, is one of the highest employers of labour. The company has further expanded its business in the state. It is also now producing high-yield oil palm seedlings through improved technology. The company’s research lab is working on seedling modification, which is commendable.”
He added that his administration’s key areas of focus in the next four years are to drive agriculture for exports, deploy technology for better service, improve electricity supply, revamp healthcare, deepen education reforms, promote tourism, consolidate on infrastructure development and sustain security reforms.
On managing migration, the governor stressed that is his vision to create an environment where Edo people can legally migrate to anywhere in the world, noting that engagements are ongoing for improved collaboration between the state and the European Union (EU) on the best approach for Edo citizens to reduce illegal migration.
On his part, Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Daniel Bertrand commended Edo State for its business-friendly environment, noting that he was impressed after a visit to Presco Plc, a Belgian-Nigeria company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
He also congratulated Governor Obaseki on his re-election, noting that he was in the state to better understand the priority areas of the state government so as to push for increased collaboration on promoting Belgian businesses to be located in Edo State and help reduce irregular migration.
