By Andrew Ikehi
As part of its bilateral relations, the United States of America is already wooing Nigerian business community, particularly those in Delta State to take advantage of the economic fortunes in the U.S. to invest and own businesses in the state.
This came to the fore Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital as representatives of the US Commercial Service expressed readiness to partner with the business community in the State, particularly members of Asaba Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA).
At a one-day summit held in Asaba, the U.S. commercial Service representatives headed by its Commercial Attache, Mr. David Russell, said that the choice of Delta State is as a result of the business and commercial viability of the State.
He said that the U.S., under its “Networking with USA (NUSA) program is poised at networking businesses in the country, particularly those in viable business cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Delta State to America.
He said, “We are here to ensure that we build U.S. presence, U.S. market share in Delta State by connecting with the business community.
“We have been to various places such as Lagos, Abuja and we are now here in Asaba, Delta State. We have seen where the country’s commerces take place and we are looking at the new dimension of connecting American businesses with the Nigerian business.
“We are particularly here today in Asaba, the Delta State capital because of its proximity to Onitsha”, he said.
In an interview with newsmen, one of the participants at the summit and former commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Delta State, Chief Chinwe Monu-Olaruwaju lauded the US initiative describing it as a welcomed development.
Olaruwaju, who is the current Vice President, ASACCIMA, however noted that the initiative failed to capture the interest of petty traders whom she opined constitute larger percentage of the business community in the country.
