Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has indicated the state’s willingness to share ideas and collaborate with the United States on matters of development.

The governor made the declaration during a courtesy visit to Government House, Enugu, by the American ambassador, Mr. Stuart Symington, noting that the latter’s visit offers an ample opportunity to build a stronger and mutually beneficial working relationship with the United States.

Governor Ugwuanyi added that the desire of his administration to diversify the state’s economy and attract foreign direct investment in the face of the current economic challenges have made a closer collaboration even more imperative.

“We have in this respect, continued to invest heavily in all areas including security, infrastructural development, environmental improvement, expansion and regularisation of social services etc, that we believe, would help sustain a conducive environment for business investments to flourish in the state,” he said.

Soliciting the assistance of the US Embassy in Nigeria with regard to sensitizing business organisations in the United States on the potential within Enugu, as well as facilitating their entry into the state as investors, the governor explained that his administration had listed for commercialisation or privatization, over 17 potentially lucrative state-owned companies and industries dealing in diverse areas of business and production.

“Beside this, we solicit the direct assistance of the United States government in the development of some critical sectors of the state’s economy such as education, healthcare, agriculture and security especially through the provision of modern communication equipment and other gadgets,” Governor Ugwuanyi said, adding that the presence of an international passenger and cargo airport and the establishment of a Free Trade Zone in Enugu as well as the urbanisation initiatives of the government, are additional incentives that boost the state’s economic profile.

The governor further assured the US envoy that whatever commitment or investment made by the United States government or organisations from the country in Enugu State is guaranteed to yield desired dividends and satisfy the interests of all parties involved.

Noting that he was in Enugu to acquaint himself with the people’s culture, Ambassador Symington said he was keen to strengthen the ties between his country and Nigeria and also work towards ensuring that United States businessmen explore rewarding opportunities in Enugu State.

The ambassador further described Governor Ugwuanyi’s work on provision of infrastructure as exemplary.