A strategic meeting of all the Chambers of Commerce in Anambra State has been convened by the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu to discuss the government’s economic programme for 2025 and to get their buy-in to mobilize industry leaders, captains of enterprises, and to secure their partnership as the business community.
This would also enable members of the Chambers to contribute their input in the implementation of the government’s efforts to boost trade, commerce, and to sustainably enhance the ease of doing business in Anambra state.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Councils of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce led by Sir Augustine Ibeme, Nnewi Chamber of Commerce, led by Sir Moses Ezukwo whilst Awka Chamber of Commerce was led by Engr. Chudy Egemba.
Others were, the President of the Anambra Chamber of Commerce, Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, including the leadership Chairman, Sir Augustine Ibeme, and Director General, Stanley Anyadufu of the Onitsha Chambers of Commerce.
They were briefed on the 2025 economic agenda for Anambra state and shown an overview of the outstanding achievements made by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
The huge opportunities and potentials of the Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City (AMIC) as multifacility Free Trade Zone Area was similarly covered.
The 2025 Ministry of Industry programme for the year was shared to enable the Chambers of Commerce to rally round the economic transformation and industrialization agenda of the governor.
Some of these phenomenal industrial economic development Programmes included the Made in Anambra Trade Fair and Export Development Conference, Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City Development Summit, and perhaps, to plan and host Manufacturers Roundtable with the Anambra State Government to address emerging issues.
The Chambers of Commerce on their part were elated that the governor considered it appropriate to engage them through the ministry of industry to directly involve them in the planning and execution of programmes that had to do with the business community in the state.
They observed that the meeting convened by Gov. Soludo through the ministry was the first time it happened, as it was not the usual practice under previous administrations and that the adoption of a different approach by the current administration was both a welcome and laudable development.
The Anambra Chambers of Commerce President, Akpakama Uchenna proposed that even more stronger collaboration between the private sector and government would ensure that Anambra State achieved its vision of becoming a prosperous mega city and the leading destination for investments in the country.
Speaking on behalf of all the Anambra Chambers of Commerce leadership, President Pharmacist Uchenna Apakama also commended Gov. Prof. Soludo, on his transformational investments infrastructure, roads, free education, free healthcare, economic reforms, new security arrangements, and more are very transformational.
“The achievements of Mr. Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is extraordinary and very impactful on the lives of people in Anambra state.
“I propose that since the Chambers also called for review and harmonization of state/local taxes to be well publicized for clarity of total annual tax obligations to enable businesses to plan better to support government development efforts.”
Finally, the Anambra Chambers of Commerce Executives requested an opportunity to pay a working visit to the governor and would also prepare and share its position paper that would be discussed at the meeting.
Echezona Okafor.
