ABIA GOVT SEEKING FOR EASY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

ABIA GOVT SEEKING FOR EASY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

David Maduako –Umuahia

Abia state government say she has embarked on a journey to seek for actions that will create enabling environment for businesses to grow with ease .

In his address the Deputy Governor of the state , Engr.Ikechukwu Emetu in a workshop organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on ease of doing business which took place recently at the Jack building Ogurube Lay out Umuahia, the Deputy Governor said the workshop marks a major step towards business reform in the state . He said the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan BERAP is a policy document and a practical road map that will guide the state in her business reform action , institutional responsibilities and measurable out come in line with the State Action on Business Enabling Reform SABER frame work .

Engr Emetu said it is through this process that the state can get rid of bureaucratic bottle necks , simplify Regulatory processes , enhance service delivery and create an enabling environment where businesses can start ,operate and grow with ease

He commended the Organisers of the workshop for bringing together key stakeholders from public and private sector including the technical partners saying that the multi stakeholders approach is essential for any meaningful reform to be achieved . He noted that policies lnformed by real business experience and lmplimentation
with institutional Ownership.

He observed that the workshop is expected to produce a clear realistic and implementa able Business Enabling Reform Action Plan BERAP . One that aligns with Abia state Action on developmental priorities, meet State Action on Business Enabling Reform SABER disbursements that will improve the lot of our Citizens and the business environment .

In her lecture during the workshop ,The , Resource Person and the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Ease Of Doing Business Hon . Barr.Jenifer Agbonma Ukaobasi among other things said government’ is making funds available for medium and small scale business Entrepreneurs . According to her the funds are been made available through the Bank Of Industry BOI .

Hon . Barr.
Ukaobasi said the workshop is an interactive one so Participants are free to make meaningful contributions noting again that Businessmen are free to apply for loan through the Bank Of industry saying that this is part of the governor’s decision to promote business in the state .

Speaking at the forum the immediate past president of Umuahia Chamber of Commerce , Industry , Mines, and Agriculture UCCIMA Hon.Chidi Aruoma said one of the major problems faced by small scale business Entrepreneurs is that of unaffordable Collaterals . He was of the opinion that Collateral for the loan are quite on the high side so small scale business Entrepreneurs find it difficult to afford the collateral . So they do not participate in loans. disbursement exercise . He maintained that the people still need government’ Intervention to reduce the collaterals to a reasonable minimum that will be affordable for the small scale businessmen .

Responding to this , the Special Assistant to the governor on Ease of Doing Business Hon. Barr. Ukaobasi promised to use her office to investigate this claim and if necessary bring it to the notice of the appropriate authority or if possible inform the state governor about this development .

Another Participant Mr Alozie Okorie (not real name) commended the state governor Dr. Alex Otti for making funds available for business owners to obtain loan but opined that the exercise needs adequate sensitization to create enough awareness so that all concerned would know about the loan .

Responding Barr. Agbonma said she has been carrying out adverts about the loan on some radio stations such as the BCA , she promised to increase the momentum by increase the number of radio stations and engage other means of reaching the people to create more awareness saying that all eligible business Entrepreneurs should be aware and free to participate in obtaining the loan . Different categories of business men were present at the workshop.
End .