The industrialisation effort of Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, got a boost weekend in Benin as a trade delegation from Miami Dade County, Florida, United States visited the state to explore business opportunities.
Bilateral trade relations between the United States of America and Nigeria are currently estimated at $3.2bn annually.
The head of the 40-man trade delegation, Jean Monestime, Miami Dade Commissioner, said that as key allies Abuja, Lagos and Edo States will benefit from aviation, tourism and cultural investments.
He said: “The United States and Nigeria currently trade more than $3.2 billion. I do not think that this pie is big enough for Edo State to receive its fair share of trade and Commerce with Miami Dade County.
“So, you can basically share with us your thoughts about how you desire to promote this great State – Edo and how the exchanges may continue between Miami Dade and the State of Edo.
“We have amongst us, different business owners. We are not here to transact ourselves, but to tell you about the values that we have that you can take advantage of which will be beneficial to the host State of yours and my immediate Country, the United States.
“We are here (Edo) on a business development mission…We have a diverse workforce and more than 52 percent of our workforce residents are foreign.
“According to our most recent census in US, Nigerians diaspora are the most educated immigrant group in the United States. Nigerians are very resilient and resourceful people.
“I am here with a delegation from Miami Dade to promote our attributes and assets as a global gateway and logistics in transportation.”
Monestime said that the state has a diverse workforce, noting that more than 52 percent of its workforce residents are foreign.
Going by the most recent Census in the US, he said that the Nigerian diaspora who he stressed are very resilient and resourceful people are the most educated immigrant group in the United States.
Governor Obaseki highlighted the huge potential of the State and the steps that the government has taken toward the reduction of unemployment.
The governor noted that his administration has built infrastructure and raised youths in line with his campaign promises to the electorate.
Obaseki revealed that “we are looking inward within ourselves to galvanise opportunities, exchange and look out to our brothers in America.”
The Chairman, Benin River Port, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, gave an overview of the proposed project while the State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Bamidele Obaitan, his counterpart in Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Afishetu Braimoh and the President of Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) delivered goodwill messages on the occasion.
