The Abia State Government plans to launch an Aba-themed Export Lab aimed at promoting the exportation of products and stimulating economic growth in the state.
The Abia commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this earlier in the week, stating that the initiative was part of the growth exports pillar of Governor Alex Otti’s economic rejuvenation agenda.
“The commissioning of this Export Lab signals a strategic shift towards an export-led industrialisation drive in Abia State, which Aba has been at the forefront as the state’s industrial and innovation hub. Kanu Said “
“The primary purpose of the Export Lab is the provision of a platform for export development within the state.
“This lab will provide targeted interactions to help businesses identify viable international markets for products manufactured or made in Abia State, assess and strengthen their internal capabilities while initiating export activities.” He added
The commissioner stated that the project would last for six months, with several stages involving several carefully selected businesses as Pilots.
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The Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mike Akpara, added to the conversation, saying that the initiative aims to take ABA back to its glory days of the past.
“Before now, we called Aba the Japan of Africa. What it means is that we can produce anything. The Commissioner said
“A lot of things come up from Aba, but in branding, they will now write made in Japan, made in Brazil, and whatever for lack of confidence.“So, what the Export Growth Lab is going to do is to instill confidence in the producers.
“They will also be taught how to package their goods to meet international standards.“It is very important that they do that because that is the only way the goods can compete favourably in the international markets.
” So these are part of the thing the Export Growth Lab is going to do,” Akpara added.
