Rivers is a haven of investments, Amaechi tells British government

Rivers state government says it is ready to collaborate with the British government to improve the economy of the state and the country through investments.
The state governor, Chibuike Amaechi, said while hosting the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr. Vice Cable at Government House, Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital on Teusday.
Amaechi, who said the state government is ready to partner with investors to create employment opportunities for rivers people and Nigerians, announced the openness of his administration to investors who are ready to key into organized investment opportunities in the state such as the Agricultural sector, and is exploring ways to improve the small and medium scale enterprises sector.
The governor told the British delegation to the state about the government’s investments and partnerships. He mentioned the partnership of a 2,000 hectare banana farm with a Mexican company, and the recently concluded arrangements with an Israeli firm to commence an investment of 140 million dollars in agriculture. While preparations are on to start a 20,000 hectares of oil palm estate which is also open to investors for partnership.
According to him, the state is looking at a rice farm “Government has about 20,000 hectares of land to establish a rice farm, and would want to mill it here directly, if they find any investor to take it over”.
Governor Amaechi also briefed the visitors that NNPC has currently approached the state government to fund a new palm estate of about 20,000 hectares, and a Belgium company has also taken over the oil palm estate close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, and it is also negotiating to take over the rubber industry.
The governor further informed them that the German government had invited Rivers state to copy their model of SME, noting that he has brought in some experts who advised that government should make it more sustainable, which the state is determine to make it private equity fund and expressed the commitment of his administration to create an enabling environment for investments to thrive.
Dr. Cable said the delegation was in the state to strengthen bilateral relationship with the Amaechi led administration, especially on crucial aspects of the economy that would attract investors.
He commended Amaechi on the existing collaboration between his government and the British Council resident in the state, noting that the British government is ready to partner and ensure sustainability.
Shortly after the visit, governor Amaechi went into a closed door meeting with the British delegate. The meeting which lasted for several hours.
Channels Television gathered that the meeting is aimed at reaching an agreement with the British government.