The United Kingdom and the Abia State Government have held talks for a partnership agreement to boost investment and economic development in Abia State.
British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery revealed this when
visited Umuahia, Abia State between August 20 and 21.
Details of the discussions were provided in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by British High Commission spokesperson Atinuke Akande-Alegbe on Thursday.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti and British High Commissioner Mr Montgomery held talks alongside senior government officials and business leaders in the state, the statement said.
The two leaders' talks focused on opportunities for prosperity and future priorities that could be beneficial to Abia State and the United Kingdom.
The leaders said the efforts, among others, are geared towards promoting UK investment in the state, while the Abia State Government will partner with UK businesses.
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The delegation
The UK delegation included UK Department for Business and Trade Director Mark Smithson and British High Commission Political Adviser Tom Burge.
“Visiting Abia State for the first time was a great opportunity to network and interact with key stakeholders.
“Abia State is key to driving Nigeria's economic prosperity and the UK is committed to driving that growth,” Montgomery said after the talks.
“We want to develop our partnership, both with the state government and the good people of Abia State, to enhance prosperity in the region,” he added.
Like the High Commissioner, the National Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade, Mr Smithson, expressed his enthusiasm for the discussions.
“The UK Department of Business and Trade in Nigeria is well placed to support the Abia State Government and the private sector in boosting trade in the state.
“We look forward to continuing the discussions we had, strengthening our ties and exploring areas of collaboration and partnerships to boost trade and bring prosperity to both countries,” he said.
Visits to facilities
The statement said officials visited several facilities in the state.
The National War Museum in Umuahia, capital of Abia State, which showcases Nigeria's history, was among the facilities visited by the leaders.
Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Otti, during their two-day visit, attended the graduation ceremony of the Statewide Inclusive Digital Transformation Programme funded through the UK Digital Access Programme.
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The program is designed to close the digital skills gap by providing relevant and applicable digital skills to state civil servants.
The High Commissioner also visited the recently commissioned Geometric Power Company in Abia State.
The UK leader met with the team developing the Abia Innovation Industrial Park and the Aba Chamber of Commerce.
He also visited an industrial fair that showcases the state's small and medium-sized manufacturers.