Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Igbo traders and entrepreneurs to look beyond competing with Chinese businesses and focus more on building strong local manufacturing and production networks.
Otti made the call while addressing business leaders and traders, stressing the need for the South-East to strengthen its productive capacity and reduce dependence on imported goods.
According to the governor, Nigerian entrepreneurs should move from simply importing and distributing products to producing goods locally and developing businesses capable of competing in wider markets...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
He noted that the region has a long history of entrepreneurship and commercial activity, but argued that its future economic growth would depend increasingly on innovation, manufacturing and investment in productive ventures.
Otti also encouraged traders to consider partnerships and investments that can create factories, support local supply chains and provide employment opportunities for young people.
The governor said competing solely with Chinese traders through importation could limit the long-term growth of indigenous businesses, particularly as global markets continue to change.
He called for greater collaboration among governments, private investors and business communities to improve infrastructure, access to finance and the overall environment for businesses.
The Abia governor’s comments come amid growing concerns about the impact of imported goods on local manufacturers and traders across Nigeria.
With the South-East remaining one of Nigeria’s major commercial hubs, increased investment in local production could help businesses expand beyond traditional trading into manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
