By Valentine Amanze
The Africa Export Import Bank (AfrExim) will soon set up an Africa Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Imo State.
The $50 million (N18 billion) centre, which will serve the entire South East and South South regions,
is to make Imo State a huge investment hub in Nigeria.
The location of the centre in Imo State is part of Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s engagements with international development agencies to aid his administration in the task of rebuilding the state.
The centre, under the quality assurance facility of the bank, will provide certification and inspection services for various products for exports from Imo State and other parts of the regions to the international market.
On the choice of the centre in Imo State, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, explained that it was an indication of the responses of the investment drive of Governor Ihedioha and the improvement on the Ease of Doing Business rating of the state.
“The will also provide capacity building to industrialists, make Imo State a business hub, and more importantly, provide employment opportunities and boost economic development of Imo State.
“The centre is a reflection of the efforts of Governor Ihedioha to restore confidence of investors and development partners in Imo State as an investment destination,” he said.
Recall that Governor Ihedioha had embarked on a Trade and Investment working visit to the Annual General Meeting of the AfrExim Bank in Moscow from June 20 – 22, 2019.
The meeting was a melting point for international fund custodians, fund managers, investors and multi-lateral finance agencies.
AfrExim Bank is an export-import bank that supports expansion, diversification, promotion and development of intra and inter-African trade.